This article is from page 4 of the 2014-08-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
CLARE County Council, acting as agents on behalf of Irish Water, says it has recorded significant improvements in the quality of drinking water being provided by the Kildysart water treatment plant, but has advised that water restrictions will remain in place until today (Tuesday, August 12th) at least.
The Local Authority said a water quality testing programme will be carried out during next week, and that a “satisfactory sequence of test results” will be required before the existing restrictions can be fnally lifted.
The HSE, in conjunction with Irish Water and Clare County Council, imposed water restrictions on the Kildysart Public Water Supply scheme a forthnight ago, on Tuesday 29th July.
Approximately 1500 customers were advised as a precautionary measure that water on the scheme was not suitable for drinking due to the discolouration of the water caused by increased Manganese levels.
A Council spokesperson said:
“There has been a further significant reduction in manganese levels in the treated water due to remedial works carried out this week at the treatment plant, but a sequence of good results over a number of days will need to be demonstrated before the restriction can be lifted.”
“In the interest of public health, it is recommended that all users on the Kildysart Public Water Supply and the Coolmeen Group Water Supply should not use tap water until further notice.
“The exceptions to this can include flushing of toilets, flushing of internal house plumbing systems, dishwashing, personal hygiene and laundry as high manganese may lead to staining of clothes but is not a public health risk.
“Customers are also advised to discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers.
“We are unable to determine when normal service will be resumed, but Irish Water and Clare County Council will continue to liaise with the HSE with a view to lifting drinking water restrictions as soon as practicable,” the spokesperson added.
In the meantime, drinking water tankers are being deployed daily outside Kildysart Secondary School and the Hilltop Bar in Coolmeen up until to and including this Tuesday (today, 12th August), at least.
Further information will be disseminated via the media, on www. water.ie and the Irish Water Customer Contact Centre: 1890 278278.
Customers are requested to advise Irish Water or Clare County Council of elderly or disabled people who may require special assistance.