MEP questions why Do Not Consume notice not imposed earlier on Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme

Uisce Éireann insists the health risk to its customers served by the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply due to raised aluminium levels was “very low” in the weeks before a Do Not Consume notice was issued on October 9, following criticism from an MEP who says aluminium levels almost 12 times above the guideline level were detected five days before the notice was issued.

Independent MEP Michael McNamara has questioned why a Do Not Consume notice wasn't issued by Uisce Éireann on September 9 when raised aluminium levels were first detected in tests.

He points out that aluminium levels almost 12 times the WHO guideline value were detected in tests on October 4, five days before the notice was imposed, impacting more than 11,000 Uisce Éireann customers, mostly located in South Tipperary.

The Do Not Consume notice was lifted on October 19 after upgrade works were carried out at Goatenbridge Water Treatment Plant but a Boil Water Notice remains in place for those served by the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme.

Mr McNamara demanded answers from Uisce Éireann and the HSE over why people in Ardfinnan went a full month before being told not to drink their water and says he will be raising the issue with the European Commission.

Uisce Éireann, however, stressed that before the Do Not Consume Notice was put in place, aluminium levels were elevated for only a short period at the Goatenbridge Water Treatment Plant, and there is little known risk from short-term exposure at the levels experienced at the plant.

“According to the HSE the main risk from aluminium in drinking water is from ongoing exposure, and there is little known risk from short-term exposure at the levels that were seen in Goatenbridge Water Treatment Plant,” said Uisce Éireann in a statement responding to Mr McNamara.

“There had been elevated aluminium levels in the plant in the weeks prior to the Do Not Consume being put in place, but these were not at the level where the World Health Organization (WHO) regards them to have any negative health effects.”

Uisce Éireann said it worked closely with the HSE throughout the period, with protecting public health their top priority.

“In early September, process issues at Goatenbridge Water Treatment Plant resulted in intermittent elevated aluminium levels in the water produced.

“Water treatment experts adjusted the treatment processes and worked to resolve the issue.

“However, a number of automatic shutdowns reduced production and affected the volume of water available to homes and businesses. During this time regular consultation was undertaken with the HSE.

The utility explained that when aluminium levels subsequently rose above the World Health Organisation health guideline value, Uisce Éireann, following consultation with the HSE, issued the Do Not Consume Notice on 9 October.

“Given the short duration for which levels were elevated above the guideline value before the notice was introduced, the risk to people who consumed the water during that period is considered very low.”

The HSE when contacted by The Nationalist for a response redirected any queries to Uisce Éireann.

Michael McNamara, meanwhile, said he will be raising his concerns with the European Commission, citing the obligations member states have under EU drinking water law to protect consumers and keep them informed.

He said figures released under Access to Information legislation show that network samples taken on September 9 were already well above the 200 µg/L guidelines for aluminium.

He said results continued to breach that limit through September and into October, peaking at 2,373 µg/L on October 4. He pointed out the Do Not Consume notice was not issued until October 9.

“A reading of 2,373 µg/L on October 4 was not a marginal breach. It was a red flag. Yet it took another five days before the public were told not to consume the water. That is not acceptable for a public utility, and it is not acceptable for the body responsible for protecting public health,” he said.

“People in Ardfinnan have already lived through months of uncertainty. They had to rely on Freedom of Information requests to find out what was in their own taps. Information about drinking water should be given to the public by default. It should not have to be prised out of the system.”

Mr McNamara called on Uisce Éireann and the HSE to publish a full timeline of water testing at the Goatenbridge Water Treatment Plant detailing when each result was received, who was told, what advice was given, and why that advice didn't lead to action sooner.

Uisce Éireann, meanwhile, reminded its customers supplied by the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme to continue abiding by the Boil Water Notice. It said the water is safe to consume once boiled and cooled.

“Customers must continue to boil water before drinking, preparing food or drinks, brushing teeth or making ice.,” it advised