Sailors and other visitors to Mayo’s Inishturk have been warned that a boil water notice has been put in place for the island’s drinking water supply.
Uisce Éireann says that following “mechanical and treatment process issues” at the island’s water treatment plant, the notice was put in place last week to “protect the health of approximately 40 customers”.
It says that monitoring of the supply is continuing and the notice will be reviewed again in the coming days.
“ In the meantime, all customers on the Inishturk supply are advised to boil and cool their water before use until further notice,”it says.
Uisce Eireann’s Ronan McDonnell thanked the local community for their co-operation and assured them that a team is working to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible.
“I want to acknowledge the inconvenience that the boil water notice is causing the local community, but public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and this notice is in place to protect the health of locals and visitors to Inishturk,” McDonnell said.
“Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working, in consultation with the HSE, to implement solutions to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible,” he said
Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins, he noted.
Water must be boiled for:
- Drinking;
- Drinks made with water;
- Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
- Brushing of teeth;
- Making ice.
What actions should be taken:
- Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads);
- Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling;
- Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink;
- Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water, and preparing infant formula:
- Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline which is open 24/7 is 1800 278 278.
Uisce Éireann says it has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues.
Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie