Co. Limerick, Ireland — 03 Feb. 2012 — Drinking water supplies are being restored to 1,500 households in West Limerick, more than two weeks after an oil pollution incident on the River Deel resulted in widespread water restrictions.
Limerick County Council, following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), this evening restored the water but confirmed that a temporary boil water notice would remain in place until early next week.
This notice applies to Foynes, Shanagolden, Askeaton, Morgans, Barrigone, Creeves, Ballysteen, Castletown and Kilcornan. A Boil Water Notice remains in place for the Pallaskenry and Kildimo watermain supply.
According to Paul Crowe, Director of Services: “Following an evaluation of the most recent water quality test results, and further consultation with the Health Service Executive, it has been decided to reduce the restriction on the use of the watermain supply.”
“The watermain supply in all areas is now subject to a Boil Water Notice. This means that the water from the watermain supply should be boiled before drinking and cooking. Water tankers are now being removed as the watermain supply can now be used for drinking and cooking purposes in accordance with this Boil Water Notice Advice”, added Mr. Crowe.
Boil Water Notice Advice
Water must be boiled for drinking, brushing teeth and food preparation.
– Boil the water for a minimum of 10 minutes in a rolling boil and then allow it to cool. Cover it and store in a fridge or cool place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic filters will not guarantee that water is safe to drink.
– Ice cubes in refrigerators and freezers should be discarded.
– 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 and fruit.
– It is safe to drink commercial bottled mineral water.
– Prepare baby feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled.
– Don’t use water that has been re-boiled 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 fizz. Check the label: water in bottles labelled “Natural Mineral Water” is not required to meet all the standards of tap water.
Don’t use natural mineral water with concentrations greater than the following for infant feeding:
– Sodium 150 milligrams per litre (mg/l)
– Nitrate 50 mg/1
– Nitrite .01 mg/1
– Sulphate 250mg/1
Further information and boil water advice is available on www.lcc.ie.