Do Not Consume water notice issued in parts of Waterford with immediate effect
A Do Not Consume Notice is currently in place to protect customers supplied by the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme
Customers served by this supply must not consume their tap water.
This includes the Kilnamack West areas of county Waterford
Further afield, areas impacted included Ardfinnan village and surrounding areas, Grange, Knocklofty, Newcastle, Ballyclerihan, areas of Cahir, Ballingarrane, Market Hill and the Red City area of Fethard.
Boiling the water will not make it safe to drink, and it is particularly important that water from the tap is not given to bottle-fed babies.
It should also not be used to brush teeth, prepare food or cook.
The notice was put in place following an issue with the treatment process at the Goatenbridge Water Treatment Plant which led to intermittent high levels of aluminium in the water supply.
Despite the best efforts of engineering crews this week to restore normal production of water, operational issues meant the plant was producing water only intermittently.
Each treatment process at the plant has built-in safety features that stop production if the water does not meet the required quality standards, which include elevated levels of aluminium.
However, to ensure a continued supply of water to local homes and businesses, these features were disabled last night, rendering the water unsafe to consume but suitable for other purposes such as sanitation.
A spokesperson from Uisce Eireann said: "We have taken this measure in consultation with the HSE, to protect public health. Our teams will continue to work on required remediation measures to address the process issues, and we are monitoring results at the treatment plant and across the water network as we work to restore a safe water supply as quickly as possible."
"The plant was in production through the night, and reservoirs are continuing to refill. Most customers should have a normal supply returning. Some customers may continue to experience low pressure or intermittent outages, but we expect a normal supply to return to all areas today."
Customers can check if their property is affected by visiting the Water Quality section of water.ie and entering their Eircode or by contacting Uisce Éireann's customer care team, available 24/7, on 1800 278 278. A map of the affected area is also attached.
Bottled water, tankers, and bulk containers remain in place and will be replenished routinely while the notice remains in place.
These can be accessed at the following locations:
• Ardfinnan Village opposite the National School
• Newcastle Village
• Grange Village beside the church
• Clerihan Village beside the church
• Newchapel village
• Newchapel at Drishogue Crossroads
• Knocklofty
• Cahir Park Football Club
• Cahir–Mitchelstown Road near the BMW garage
• Cahir Mart
• Cahir Castle carpark
• Marlfield Village
• Lisronagh National School carpark
• Clogheen National School
• Poulmucka
Bottled water will continue to be delivered directly to all Nursing Homes and HSE facilities across the area, as well as to all schools and customers who have registered with us as vulnerable.
Uisce Eireann are asking customers who may be vulnerable, or anyone supporting a vulnerable friend or family member, to register so that direct communication about medical or specific needs can be exchanged.
The quickest way to register is to call 1800 278 278.
Online registration is also available.
However, to activate the registration and expedite engagement, Uisce Eireann says calling is currently the best approach.
