Drinking water restriction in Tipperary

Irish Water has issued a drinking water restriction notice, on the advice of the Health Service Executive, that water from the Templetuohy Water Supply Scheme should not be consumed by babies under six months of age. This is due to elevated levels of nitrates in the water supply.    
Babies under 6 months of age should not drink water from this supply until further notice. Infant formula, for babies under 6 months of age, should not be made-up (reconstituted) using this water.
This notice only applies to babies under six months of age. Other users may continue to use their water as normal.
An alternative safe water supply or bottled water should be used to prepare infant feeds. Bottled water can be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.
Irish Water and Tipperary County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as possible and apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.
In the meantime, Irish Water will provide bottled water to customers with children under six months of age in the affected area. Customers should contact 1850 278 278 to arrange delivery.    
Please note, this is not a Boil Water Notice, ie. boiling and cooling your water will not make it safe to drink for infants under six months.
Duane O'Brien, Irish Water's Operations Lead for Tipperary, said: "We have issued this restriction on the Templetuohy Water Supply, following consultation with the HSE, due to elevated levels of nitrates. All affected properties will receive a leaflet with more information. 
"We are working with our partners in Tipperary County Council to lift this restriction as quickly as possible. In the meantime we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to parents of young children. We will be happy to provide bottled water to any customers with children under six months who request it by contacting the 24/7 customer care line at 1850 278 278." 
Further information and additional advice for customers is available on the service and supply section of the Irish Water website or by calling 1850 278278.