IRISH Water revealed that blood samples testing for levels of lead from residents in Ballynanty and Killeely have resulted within the “normal range”.
In recent weeks, Ireland’s new water utility company requested advice from the HSE, who arranged analysis of a number of blood samples from residents in the northside of the city.
In a letter to residents in St Mary’s Park last week, Katherine Walshe, Irish Water’s regional operations manager, also revealed that recent testing in the area has shown lead levels above the “current acceptable limit” for lead in drinking water.
However, Irish Water’s analysis showed that running the water from the tap for a short period of between five and ten minutes before using it has shown a “significant improvement” in the lead concentrations.
“The HSE have advised, as a precautionary measure and until further water analysis results are available, running the water for a short period of between five and ten minutes before using it as normal,” said Ms Walshe in her letter to St Mary’s Park residents.
“However, again as a precautionary measure, the HSE advice is that pregnant women and young children should consider using an alternative source of water for drinking and cooking,” she added.
Irish Water is now proposing to undertake additional testing within Mary’s Park. Residents have been asked to be patient and cooperate with Limerick City and County Council staff who may collect water samples for analysis. Once results are available, Irish Water says it will seek further advice from the HSE and inform residents accordingly.
Irish Water claim that homes built or modernised since 1970 are unlikely to contain lead pipework. This, they suggest, can be verified by a plumber’s assessment of the internal and external pipework.
“Irish Water is committed to replacing lead pipework in the St Mary’s Park and is progressing plans initiated by Limerick City & County Council. It is anticipated that this work will begin early in 2015,” Ms Walshe concluded.
Anti-Austerity Alliance councillor for City North, Cian Prendiville, is now calling for St Mary’s Park residents to be exempt from “unjust water charges”.
“How can they be charged if they are being told to run their taps before using the water? The removal of these lead pipes must begin immediately, not next year,” said Cllr Prendiville.
