'Do Not Consume' Notice for Belturbet

The notice for Belturbet does not apply to other areas and water schemes in Cavan.

A 'Do Not Consume Notice' has been issued for all consumers on the Belturbet Public Water Supply Scheme due to elevated levels of manganese.

The move following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE) Irish Water, working in partnership with Cavan County Council.

The notice applies to approximately 1,986 customers supplied by the Belturbet Public Water Supply Scheme.

“It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants,” the warning issued by Irish Water.

They furthermore ask the public to note that 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.”

The notice for Belturbet does not apply to other areas and water schemes in Cavan.

The utility says that tankered alternative water supply will be provided at Centra Belturbet, Erne Hill and Open Area/Hard Stand, the Lawn, Belturbet.

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

The spokesperson added that Irish Water drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Cavan County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

Speaking about the imposition of the notice, Peter Gallagher, Regional Operations Lead with Irish Water stated: “Irish Water is aware of the impact a Do Not Consume Notice can have on the community of Belturbet and would like to reassure impacted customers that we are working hard to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.”

'Do Not Consume Notice'

Water from the public supply in Belturbet should not be used for;

- Drinking

- Drinks made with water

- Food preparation, washing or cooking of food,

- Brushing of teeth

- Making of ice

Children under 12 months old should not drink this water.

In particular, 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.

If bottled water is used to make up 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.

Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink.

Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water

Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges.

What can you use water for?

The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils

Irish Water and Cavan County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable.

Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section of our website www.water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Customers are advised to set their location on water.ie to see updates specific to their location.