UISCE Éireann confirmed it is continuing to work to lift a long-standing boil water notice on a Limerick water supply.
The boil water notice (BWN) impacting the Foynes/Shannon Estuary Public Water Supply was put in place in May 2023, and remains in place, some eight months after coming into effect.
The BWN was put in place to protect public health due to the presence of cryptosporidium in the water treatment plant.
Uisce Éireann is still working to implement remedial measures to make the water safe for consumption by installing a UV disinfection unit, which will eliminate the risk of cryptosporidium.
According to Uisce Éireann, the unit will be capable of treating the equivalent of eight Olympic-size swimming pools each day to serve the homes and businesses in the community.
Areas impacted by the notice include Askeaton, Foynes, Ballyhahill, Loghill, Ballysteen, Pallaskenry, Kildimo, and Shanagolden and surrounding areas.
While drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Limerick City and County Council are working to rectify the issues at the treatment plant, all customers on this supply are advised to continue to boil their water before use until further notice.
Uisce Éireann’s Duane O’Brien said: “The UV installation works at the Shannon Estuary Water Treatment Plant are continuing as scheduled. Civil pipeworks have been completed this week and mechanical and electrical works now follow with substantial completion due in the coming weeks.”
“Following this there will be commissioning and collection of sampling data for the HSE to review and Uisce Éireann will consult with the HSE to discuss if the boil water notice can be lifted.”
Mr O’Brien continued: “We wish to assure customers that we are working to resolve the issues at the water treatment plant, and we acknowledge the impact this is having on the community.”
