Mouldy taste and chemical smell reported in the water from people across Limerick city

PEOPLE from all across Limerick City are reporting a bad smell and taste in their water, which appears to get worse when the water is boiled. 

Many people have been buying bottled water since Sunday and some have also reported upset stomach symptoms. 

Fine Gael Councillor Daniel Butler has reported the issue to Uisce Éireann and said it has been noticed in the Raheen and Dooradoyle areas. 

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He told Limerick Live: “I made a cup of tea at work and the smell and taste was horrific. It was a chemically pungent smell.”

Others have also noticed it in the city centre, as well as the Ennis Road, Corbally, Bloodmill Road, Ballycummin Road, Edward Street and other areas spanning across the city and suburbs. 

There is no issue highlighted in the city or those areas on the Uisce Éireann online supply and service map.

There are completed mains repair works in the Ballinacurra Weston and Shelbourne Park areas, which had caused disruption, while there are mains repair works planned for the Coonagh East area tomorrow (November 5) from 11.30am until 3.30pm. 

One woman said that there was a “very strong chemical smell”, with others saying the water tastes mouldy, and one woman said “two sick stomachs in the house.” 

Uisce Éireann advise on their website that an earthy or musty smell or taste in water, can be caused by stale water in pipes, algae in the water, naturally occurring chemicals and their website says that “drinking water with an earthy or musty taste is typically harmless.” 

Anyone who is experiencing issues can call Uisce Éireann on 1800 278278 and it will be investigated. 

Limerick Live has reached out to Uisce Éireann for an official comment, but none has been received as of yet.