The HSE, in conjunction with Irish Water and Clare County Council, has confirmed that existing water restrictions on the Kildysart Public Water Supply scheme will remain in place until at least Tuesday 5th August.
On Tuesday afternoon (29th July 2014), 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 Clare County Council spokesperson said: "At this stage the water quality has improved because of the ongoing modifications to the water treatment process. The general quality of the water is not yet at a satisfactory level and following consultation with the HSE it is advised that the water is not suitable for drinking until further notice."
The spokesperson continued: "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 except for the 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."
Water Tankers will be made available on Saturday 2nd August, Sunday 3rd August, Bank Holiday Monday 4th August and Tuesday 5th August at Kildysart Secondary School from 10am to 11am and 6pm to 7pm, and at the Hilltop Bar in Coolmeen from 12 noon to 1pm and 8pm to 9pm.
"We are unable to determine when normal service will be resumed, but Irish Water and Clare County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting drinking water restrictions as soon as practicable," the spokesperson added.
Further information will be disseminated via local media, on www.water.ie and via 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.
On Tuesday afternoon (29th July 2014), 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 Clare County Council spokesperson said: "At this stage the water quality has improved because of the ongoing modifications to the water treatment process. The general quality of the water is not yet at a satisfactory level and following consultation with the HSE it is advised that the water is not suitable for drinking until further notice."
The spokesperson continued: "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 except for the 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."
Water Tankers will be made available on Saturday 2nd August, Sunday 3rd August, Bank Holiday Monday 4th August and Tuesday 5th August at Kildysart Secondary School from 10am to 11am and 6pm to 7pm, and at the Hilltop Bar in Coolmeen from 12 noon to 1pm and 8pm to 9pm.
"We are unable to determine when normal service will be resumed, but Irish Water and Clare County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting drinking water restrictions as soon as practicable," the spokesperson added.
Further information will be disseminated via local media, on www.water.ie and via 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.