Uisce Éireann provides update on boil water notice impacting thousands of Limerick customers
UISCE Éireann has moved to reassure thousands of Limerick households impacted by a boil water notice that it is continuing its efforts to resolve the issue.
Since last month, around 7,000 customers on the Foynes/Shannon Estuary public water supply have been been advised to boil their water before they consume it.
The areas impacted are Askeaton, Foynes, Ballyhahill, Loghill, Ballysteen, Pallaskenry, Kildimo and Shanagolden and surrounding areas.
In a statement, issued this Friday evening, Uisce Éireann says it in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, “continue to progress works” to lift the notice.
“While drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Limerick City and County Council are working to rectify the issues at the treatment plant, all customers on this supply are advised to continue to boil their water before use until further notice,” the statement explains.
Uisce Éireann’s Duane O’Brien said there is ‘unfortunately’ no ‘short term solution’ to a problem of this scale and explained the works which are being carried out to fix it.
“We are progressing with plans to install an ultraviolet reactor at the Shannon Estuary Water Treatment Plant,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This reactor will render any cryptosporidium in the water inactive and it is a large piece of equipment, bespoke to the site and it requires a significant amount of accommodation work in advance of its installation.”
Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on such notices. Alternatively, the public can check if their property is included by visiting the website and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.