Boil water notice issued for 7,000 Limerick customers to protect public health

A WATER notice has been issued for 7,000 Limerick customers as affected people living in the notified areas must boil their water before drinking.

The notice, issued this Saturday afternoon, impacts customers in Askeaton, Foynes, Ballyhahill, Loghill, Ballysteen, Pallaskenry, Kildimo and Shanagolden and surrounding areas.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann and Limerick City & County Council have issued a boil water notice with immediate effect.

Areas affected are supplied by the Foynes/Shannon estuary public water supply, following the detection of cryptosporidium found following testing at Shannon Estuary Water Treatment Plant.

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Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the water quality section of www.water.ie and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. A map of the area is attached and available to view on the supply and service section of water.ie.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Limerick City & County Council are working to implement solutions to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible in consultation with the HSE. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil and cool their water before use until further notice.

Uisce Éireann’s Duane O’Brien acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers, saying: “Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority. 

“We are working closely with Limerick City & County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, and in consultation with the HSE. 

“Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins.”

Mr O’Brien concluded by referring to when risks to water quality arise, they are “identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme”, and that the HSE are then contacted to issue notices to those affected.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled and cooled. 

Water must be boiled for drinking alone, drinks made with water, preparation of cold foods, brushing of teeth and making of ice. 

Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.