Local supply hit with water notice
The prolonged dry spell at the start of the Summer is believed to have played a significant role in raising levels of Manganese and Aluminium in the supply to the Mountainlodge Group Water Scheme.
On Saturday last, Cavan County Council issued a 'Do Not Consume' notice to homes and businesses who subscribe to the Scheme.
The areas affected include Laragh, Tunnyduff, parts of Poles, and Mountainlodge.
Eddie Martin, secretary of the Group Water scheme, told the Celt of the actions taken.
“High levels of Manganese and Aluminium were detected in the water by the Health Service Executive, so it was shut down for the time being. I'm not an expert but I believe it's the effect the long dry spell had on the lake that provides the supply.”
Samples from the scheme show elevated levels of aluminium and manganese leaving the treatment plant and into the network. The local authority has now made water tankers available at Laragh National School and Tunnyduff National School.
The 'Do Not Consume' restriction is similar to that issued in the Bailieborough Regional Water Supply Scheme at the end of last year.
“It's something similar to the best of my knowledge,” Eddie said.
The Mountainlodge Group Water Scheme spokesperson is hopeful recent rain will help restore levels to normality.
“It should improve things, but it takes time for the system to adjust. I don't know how long, but the lake is improving.”
The safety notice was issued as the elevated levels of aluminium and manganese pose an immediate risk to health. Following consultation with the HSE, Cavan County Council issued the 'Do Not Consume Notice' with immediate effect to protect the health of all occupants of this property for those on the Mountainlodge Group Water Supply Scheme.
A statement from the local authority stated that the regulatory levels for drinking water are: Manganese 50ug/l (micrograms per litre) and Aluminium 200ug/l (micrograms per litre).
“Further to concerns raised on behalf of GWS by its Treatment Plant operator Cavan County Council carried out testing on scheme. Following receipt of results on Thursday July 9 and following consultation with HSE the Do Not Consume Note was placed on Mountainlodge GWS on Friday July 10.
Cavan County Council carries out regulatory sampling of Group Water Schemes annually. Further sampling took place on Monday, July 13, however, results of this sampling are not expected until Wednesday 15.
Cavan County Council has not been made aware of any similar significant issues encountered by other Group Water Supplies related to dry spell of weather in May and June. Usual seasonal issues with such things as algal blooms may have been encountered,” the statement said.
Water scheme users are advised to use an alternative safe source of drinking water (bottled water) for drinking, preparing drinks made with water, cooking food and for food preparation.
The 'Do Not Consume' notice covers brushing of teeth and/or gargling and making ice and people are advised that water from the hot tap of kitchen or bathroom sinks is not safe to drink.