Uisce Éireann issue important update on boil water notice in Tipperary area

Uisce Éireann says is progressing with works to lift the boil water notice currently in place for the Horse and Jockey Public Water Supply.

As a result, the Boil Water Notice will remain in effect until further notice.

The notice was issued last month as a precautionary measure to protect the health of approximately 600 customers due to increased turbidity in the raw water source.

Uisce Éireann is working to lift the notice as quickly as possible.

Colin Cunningham of Uisce Éireann said: “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 their wellbeing. We are working to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible. We understand the impact a Boil Water Notice (BWN) has on the local community and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins.

When risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the HSE is consulted, and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health.

Immediate action is taken to address the issue’s cause to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible, in agreement with the HSE.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication regarding Boil Water Notices.

Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.

Regarding boil water notices, Uisce Éireann cannot provide bottled water to customers, as the water is safe to drink once boiled.

Providing alternative water supplies via tankers is not beneficial, as water from tankers would still need to be boiled to ensure it is safe to drink.

Water must be boiled for:

Drinking;

Drinks made with water;

Preparation of salads and similar foods that are not cooked before eating;

Brushing of teeth;

Making ice – discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.

Actions to 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 toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling.

Boil water by bringing it to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g., using an automatic kettle) and allow it 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 make water safe to drink.

Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure they do not swallow the bathwater.

Preparing Infant Formula: Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula using tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand.

Bottled water can also be used to prepare infant formula. All bottled water, except for 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 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.