“Do not consume” notice remains in place for Barraghy/Farmoyle GWS

Cavan County Council say the “do not consume” notice for the Barraghy/Farmoyle group water supply scheme following the detection of elevated levels of manganese remains in place. Following consultation with the Health Service Executive the week before last the local authority issued the notice with immediate effect to protect the health of all consumers of water supplied by the Barraghy/Farmoyle scheme.

The notice` states that boiling the water will not render it safe to drink. The local authority have asked consumers supplied by the scheme to use an alternative safe source of water for; drinking, preparing drinks made with water, cooking food, food preparation including washing and preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating, brushing of teeth and/or gargling, and making ice.

An alternative supply is being provided from a tanker in Niall Dempsey’s Yard (Eircode - H18 E640). The local authority point out that water from the hot tap of kitchen or bathroom sinks is not safe to drink.

The operators of the GWS are hopeful that the matter will be resolved quickly, however Cavan County Council say despite “significant improvement in water quality” the notice remains in place.

The local authority said: “Further to the placing of the notice a set of criteria has been agreed, with Cavan County Council and the HSE, for the lifting of same. The criteria agreed will ensure that the water in the network is fully compliant with Drinking Water Regulatory standards before the notice is lifted.”

The statement concluded by saying: “To date the scheme has made considerable progress in responding to the issue and there has been a significant improvement in water quality. Work is ongoing with a view to meeting the required criteria and having the ‘Do Not Consume Notice’ lifted.”

Further information is available to consumers from Barraghy/Farmoyle GWS on 086 301 8177