Co. Limerick, Ireland — 20 Jan. 2012 — Due to ongoing restrictions on the Shannon Estuary Area Water Supply, Limerick County Council – in an effort to maximize supply to the public – will be reactivating the water source at Bleach Lough from 8:00 AM today (Friday) for the duration of the restrictions.
The move will enable a supply of water to the Pallaskenry and Kildimo areas. However, on the advice of the Health Services Executive (HSE), Limerick County Council has confirmed that the water from that supply will be subject to a boil water notice.
Customers in the Pallaskenry and Kildimo Areas are advised to boil water before consumption.
Donal Brennan, Senior Engineer explained: “The Council has ceased production at the Shannon Estuary Area Water Supply Plant in Askeaton and overnight shutoffs have been necessary in parts of West Limerick after a volume of kerosene leaked into the River Deel from a commercial property. The Council is continuing efforts to minimise the impact of the pollution incident on the River. The Environment Section of Limerick County Council is investigating the matter”.
“Every effort will be made to ensure water restrictions are minimised, and we thank customers for their patience and understanding. In the meantime, we advise customers in the Pallaskenry and Kildimo areas to abide by the boil water notice until further notice”, he added.
Boil Water Notice Advice For Consumers
Water for drinking purposes, brushing teeth and food preparation should be boiled. Boil the water to ensure a rolling vigorous boil and then allow it to cool. Cover it and store it in a fridge or cold place.
Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic filters will not guarantee that water is safe to drink. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers. Use water that has been prepared for drinking (i.e. that is boiled) for preparing foods that will not be cooked, e.g. for washing salads. It is safe to drink commercial bottled mineral water.
Prepare baby feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been reboiled several times. If tap water is unavailable, use bottled water that has been brought to the boil and cooled. Avoid using water that is fizzy, unless boiling has removed all the fizziness. Check the label: water in bottles labeled “natural mineral water” is not required to meet all the standards of tap waters.
Don’t use natural mineral water with concentrations greater than the following for infant feeding: sodium –200mg/l; Nitrate –50mg/l; Nitrite –0.5mg/l; Sulphate –250mg/l.
Water may be used for flushing of toilets and for internal house plumbing, as well as for personal hygiene and bathing.
Further information and advice is available from (061) 496326 (9.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday).