Do not consume water notice issued

 

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive a 'Do Not Consume Notice' for all consumers on the Bailieborough Public Water Supply Scheme.

The notice has been served due to elevated levels of manganese in the water supply.

The notice, issued by Irish Water, working in partnership with Cavan County Council, applies to 7,785 customers served by the Bailieborough Public Water Supply including Bailieborough, Killinkere, Virginia, Crossbane and Mullagh.

“Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water will not reduce manganese levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants. This notice does not apply to other areas and water schemes in County Cavan,” a Council statement says.

Manganese is found naturally in many water sources, however with regard the Bailieborough supply, the levels leaving the water treatment plant are in exceedance of those permitted under the drinking water regulations.

The water therefore should not be used for drinking, food prep, brushing teeth, and children under 12 months old should not drink this water.

“This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. 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.”

As a result, tankers will be in place from 1pm today to provide an alternative water supply to customers.

“Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tankers and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.”

The tankers will be located at the Old Courthouse on Main Street in Bailieborough; The Showgrounds, New Street in Virginia; Heritage Centre Car Park, Mullagh; and the Church Car Parks in Killinkere and Crossbane.

The Council says that Irish Water drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in the local authority in a bid to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Peter Gallagher, Irish Water advises: “At the moment we are adjusting the treatment processes at the plant so the water meets all regulatory compliances. Once this has been achieved, we will begin flushing to clear out any remaining non-compliant water in the network. Alternative sources of water will be provided for drinking and you can continue to use your internal water supply for flushing of toilets, personal hygiene (showering/bathing), laundry and washing utensils. Water from the hot tap of the kitchen or bathroom is not safe to drink”

Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1850 278 278.