This article is from page 12 of the 2014-08-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE drinking water ban was finally lifted in Kildysart after four weeks and the people of Corofin and Ruan can once again use the water from their taps following a one-week ban.
Approximately 1,500 people were affected by the water restrictions imposed on July 29, by Clare County Council, acting as agents on behalf of Irish Water.
A further 1,800 were affected when a similar ban was imposed in Corofin town and its environs, Ruan village and the area served by the Killeen Group Water Scheme on August 14.
While the Killeen scheme is still not considered safe, customers are now being provided their water from the Dysart-Toonagh Group Water Scheme and Ennis Public Water Supply Scheme.
On Friday, following consultation with the HSE, the council confirmed the removal of drinking water restrictions that were affecting 3,300 customers in Kildysart, Coolmeen, Corofin and Ruan.
Kildysart Public Water Supply scheme had been 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.
“However, extensive testing of the water provided by the Kildysart Public Water Supply scheme has shown that the water being supplied continues to meet the drinking water standards. All water restrictions have been lifted as a result,” a council spokes- person said.
Likewise water from the Kileen Group Water Scheme was not suitable for drinking due to the presence of an algal bloom in Inchiquin Lake.
“While water quality on the scheme has not improved sufficiently to warrant a lifting of restrictions, Clare County Council has confirmed that customers in the affected area are now being provided with an alternative supply via the Dysart-Toonagh Group Water Scheme and Ennis Public Water Supply Scheme. All water restrictions have been lifted as a result,” a spokesperson said.
“Inchiquin Lake meanwhile, remains closed to the public as is not suitable for recreational purposes. Signage has been erected notifying the public of the ongoing closure at the lake.”