Boil water notice affecting thousands in Limerick is in place a year

NEXT week marks one full year since a Boil Water Notice in one east Limerick community was first issued.

Uisce Éireann issued the notice on September 26, 2023 as “a precautionary measure to protect the health of approximately 2,300 customers”. 

The notice impacts all customers supplied by the Cappamore Foileen Public Water Supply, including Carrigmore, which is now supplied from the Cappamore Scheme. 

The notice was put in place due to the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply. 

Uisce Éireann said it has “prioritised the works at the site to speed up the lifting of the Boil Water Notice”. 

“Detailed design work has been completed, along with the construction of a new access road and earthworks. Mechanical and electrical aspects of this project are now substantially complete, with additional data collected to ensure correct treatment will be provided at the site. Some of the ordered equipment necessary to finalise this upgrade is impeded by long lead in times,” a spokesperson confirmed.

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Uisce Éireann’s Duane O’Brien said, “We recognise the significant inconvenience to impacted customers. Public health remains the number one priority for Uisce Éireann. Our drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins”. 

“Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the HSE (Health Service Executive) are consulted, and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health,” he continued.

Uisce Éireann urged “great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children”. 

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting 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. 

Uisce Éireann has also launched a free text service to provide updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie