Uisce Éireann investigate low water pressure in Passage East
Uisce Éireann confirmed that they are investigating low water pressure issues in Passage East.
Residents in the Passage East area are having to replace showers, washing machines and bathing fixtures over low water pressure.
This is according to Cllr Declan Barry (Independent), who recently highlighted the plight of poor water service in Passage East.
At a recent Metropolitan District meeting, he said: "I'd like for our Council to write to Uisce Éireann because there's a big problem in the village of Crooke in Passage East with water pressure. This has been going on for weeks and months, maybe even a year or two. People are replacing electric showers, they're replacing washing machines two, three times a year because the water pressure is so low."
Cllr Barry described the response he's received so far from Uisce Éireann: "The residents have contacted them individually, I've contacted them on a number of occasions. Nothing has changed."
He went on: "Can we write to Uisce Éireann and request that the water pressure in that area is looked at."
Metro Mayor Adam Wyse confirmed that a workshop would be taking place on February 3 but commented: "That's not soon enough."
After the meeting Cllr Barry spoke to the Waterford News & Star and explained how the issue has affected the community. He mentioned how a local family had to have their shower replaced three times in the space of one year due to the pressure.
He said: "What's the point in doing that the whole time and not getting anywhere? The only people who can fix it are Uisce Éireann. I had a phone call from an ex-Council worker who told me that the water was turned off last week."
Cllr Barry wondered if the problem may be down to valves: "It might be a question of those things work on valves. They turned it off, that's fine, now they turn it on. But they might not have turned it enough, it's as simple as that.
"You can't be leaving people out like that, you're talking 600, 700 people living out there."
In a statement sent on January 29, a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann stated: "Uisce Éireann is aware of ongoing low water pressure issues impacting customers in Passage East, and we understand the inconvenience this is causing for homes and businesses in the area.
"Our teams have been on site investigating the cause of the reduced pressure, which appears to be linked to a blockage on the watermains serving the village. Crews are continuing works to clear the obstruction and restore normal supply as quickly and as safely as possible.
"To support customers while investigations continue, an alternative water supply is available on Beresford Row in the village. When taking water from the tanker, customers are reminded to boil the water before use as a precaution, in line with HSE advice."
