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- Uisce Éireann has issued updates regarding ongoing Boil Water Notices for customers supplied by the Macroom and Whitegate Public Water Supplies, emphasising that these notices remain in place to safeguard public health.
The Macroom Public Water Supply, which serves approximately 4,194 customers, has been under a Boil Water Notice since 30 September 2024. This precautionary measure was taken in consultation with the HSE due to increased turbidity and operational challenges at the treatment plant. Meanwhile, customers of the Whitegate Public Water Supply in East Cork, affecting about 10,000 residents, have been under a Boil Water Notice since 18 October 2023 due to turbidity in the raw water source impacting the disinfection process.
Updates on Macroom Supply
Uisce Éireann is actively implementing remedial measures to address issues at the Macroom Water Treatment Plant, including the installation of replacement filter media. Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann, stated:
“Public health is our number one priority, and we are working tirelessly to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible. We understand the inconvenience caused and thank the community for their patience.”
Customers can check their property’s inclusion in the notice by visiting www.water.ie or calling the 24/7 customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.
Progress on Whitegate Supply
In East Cork, Uisce Éireann has begun a €22 million upgrade of the Whitegate Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to be completed by 2026. The upgrade aims to provide a safe, secure, and reliable water supply, addressing frequent Boil Water Notices. Interim measures are proving challenging due to limitations of the existing infrastructure.
Guidelines for Customers Under Boil Water Notices
Uisce Éireann reminds customers that water must be boiled for essential uses, including drinking, preparing food and infant formula, and brushing teeth. Boiled water must reach a vigorous, rolling boil and be allowed to cool before use. Water can be used for personal hygiene and flushing toilets but is not safe for direct consumption without boiling.
Key advice includes:
- Use boiled water for preparing foods that will not be cooked, such as salads.
- Discard ice cubes made with unboiled water and use cooled boiled water to make new ice.
- Bottled water may be used for infant formula preparation if necessary but should also be boiled and cooled beforehand.
Further updates are available on www.water.ie and through Uisce Éireann’s customer helpline or their text service for real-time notifications.