Experts study 'Boil Water' issue
A SUDDEN deterioration in the quality of raw water from the main source of supply remains unresolved as the Boil Water Notice on the regional supply serving over 8,000 customers, continues into its fourth consecutive week.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a team of water experts are now engaged working in conjunction with the HSE to identify the cause and resolve the problem as soon as possible, but as of going to press, the issue remains unresolved, and the Boil Water warning remains in place.
A spokesperson for Uisce Éireann said: “The Boil Water Notice was put in place due to a deterioration in raw water quality affecting treatment at the plant” serving the region which is based at Newross, Newport.
UNSAFE QUALITY
The unsafe quality of the water from the treatment plant raised serious concerns after the HSE advised that the water following treatment at the plant was not suitable for drinking without boiling. The main source of raw water is extraction from the Mulcair River, famed in song and story worldwide, and flowing through the town of Newport.
“Monitoring of the water supply is on-going. These results will continue to be reviewed and shared with the Health Service Executive (HSE),” Uisce Eireann explained this week.
The Newport Public Water Supply serves about 8,000 customers over the area of Newport Town and surrounding areas, of Birdhill, Ballina, Gortybrigane, Ballinahinch, and Killoscully.
The ongoing current problem, which has been in place since May 20, is a major concern for households and businesses, including restaurants, cafe's, and several licensed premises, being hit by the cost for an alternative water supply.
“Uisce Éireann acknowledge the inconvenience that the Boil Water Notice is causing the local community, but public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and this notice is in place to protect the health of customers on the supply,” a spokesperson said.
He added: "Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working, in consultation with the HSE, to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible. We thank those affected for their patience while we work to lift the notice.”
Updates will be issued to customers who have registered their phone numbers with Uisce Éireann and details will also be published on the Uisce Éireann web page.
In the meantime, while the Boil Water Notice remains in place, the instructions are that water must be boiled for one minute and then cooled for: drinking, preparing drinks made with water, preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating, brushing of teeth and/or gargling, making of ice. However, ensure you first discard all existing ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges.
“Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap of kitchen or bathroom sinks is not safe to drink,” advises Uisce Eireann.