Inishbofin island’s water supply has been deemed safe to drink after months of restrictions.
Irish Water has confirmed that the “do not consume” notice has been lifted “with immediate effect” on the north Connemara island after consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Elevated levels of manganese in the treated water supply had led to the restriction for health reasons, to protect the island’s population of 156 people, Irish Water said.
“Irish Water acknowledges and understands the impact this notice had on the community, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience,” Irish Water official Eoin Hughes said.
“Our drinking water compliance and operational experts worked hard to resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible,” he said.
All islanders and visitors served by the public water supply can “now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth”, Irish Water said.
It said an Irish Water/HSE water liaison group would “continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply”.
It has issued a customer care helpline, which is “open 24/7” on 1800 278 278.