Thousands and Laois and Offaly households still can't drink tap water

Two days since a fault was found at a water treatment plant in Laois mean the problem has not been fixed meaning nearly 4,000 households and businesses in Laois and Offaly must continue to drink water.

Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) has issued a new notice appealing to the public to continue to boil water in Clonaslee around the source of the supply and in Tullamore where most of the water is used.

The Boil Water Notice was issued on 20 June to protect the health of approximately 3,900 customers due to raw water quality issues that are impacting the treatment processes at the water treatment plant.

The company has not given details as to what caused the problem. Other than customer numbers it has also declined to say how many people are impacted in Laois and Offaly.

Its latest statement issued on Thursday, June 22 said it is working on a solution.

"Uisce Éireann in partnership with Offaly and Laois County Councils continues to progress works to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as possible for all customers on the Tullamore South and Clonaslee Water Supply.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Offaly County Council are working to implement solutions to lift the notice as quickly as possible in consultation with the HSE.

John Gavin works with Uisce Éireann.

 “In conjunction with Offaly County Council, we are continuing to address the raw water issues at the treatment plant. Once these issues have been addressed, and the plant is fully operational, we will undertake sampling, monitoring the performance of the plant with a move towards lifting the Boil Water Notice, in consultation with the HSE. Please be assured we are working to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly as possible.

“Public health remains our number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice is having on our customers in the area,” he said.  

In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil and cool their water before use until further notice.

Areas impacted include Clogh, Moneenroe, Castlecomer and surrounding areas.

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of 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. A map of the area is attached and available to view on the supply and service section of water.ie. 

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

The company also advised that vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on boil water notices. People were also are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

Water must be boiled for:

• Drinking;
• Drinks made with water;
• Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
• Brushing of teeth;
• Making of ice;
• Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges.
• Make ice from cooled boiled water. 

 Uisce Éireann outlined the actions should be taken:

• Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads);
• Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling;
• Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place.
• Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink.
• Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink;
• Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water;

The following advice is giving for people preparing infant formula:

• Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also 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. 

Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Irish water advises that customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of www.water.ie and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. A map of the area is attached and available to view on the supply and service section of water.ie. 

It says updates are available on in the Water Supply Updates section on water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.