Over 1,800 people in Laois impacted by Boil Water Notice

Over 1,800 people in Laois have been impacted by a Boil Water Notice which has been issued by Uisce Éireann and the HSE.

Uisce Éireann issued the notice for 1,872 customers supplied by the Lough Public Water Supply Scheme on Friday, March 6.

A micro biological failure from a single sample on the network has prompted the notice which Uisce Éireann said they have issued to "protect the health" of the customers on that supply network. 

The areas impacted by the Boil Water Notice include Killenard, Garryvacum, Ballybrittas, Lough, Ballycarroll and the surrounding areas. 

Uisce Éireann staff, in consultation with the HSE, are currently working to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly as possible.

READ NEXT: Standing ovations for Laois students who rock the ages with Portlaoise show

In the meantime, impacted customers are being advised to boil water before use until after the notice is lifted. 

People can check if they are affected by the Boil Water Notice by checking the Water Quality section of Uisce Éireann's website and entering their Eircode. They can also call Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann’s James Joyce apologised to the impacted customers in Laois, saying: "Public health is Uisce Éireann's number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health.

"We acknowledge the inconvenience caused to homes and businesses and would like to assure customers that we are working to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly and as safely possible."

People have been reminded that water must be boiled for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, and preparing salads or similar food which are not cooked before eating. 

Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink.

Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling. However, caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water.