Boil Water Notice Remains in Place for Kilmagnier Supply in North Cork

Approximately 287 customers served by the Kilmagnier Public Water Supply in North Cork are being reminded that a Boil Water Notice remains in effect until further notice.

The notice was issued on 5 December following increased turbidity that impacted the treatment process at the Kilmagnier Water Treatment Plant. Uisce Éireann implemented the precautionary measure to protect public health in the affected area.

Niall O'Riordan, Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:

"Public health is our number one priority. Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working in consultation with the HSE to lift the notice as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice."

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working alongside the HSE to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly as possible. The organisation's drinking water standards comply with strict EU regulations that include wide safety margins.

Customers must boil water before using it for drinking, making hot drinks, preparing uncooked foods such as salads, brushing teeth, and making ice. Any existing ice cubes in fridges and freezers, as well as filtered water in fridges, should be discarded and replaced with ice made from cooled boiled water.

Water should be boiled by bringing it to a vigorous, rolling boil and then allowed to cool. The cooled water should be covered and stored in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from hot taps is not safe to drink, and domestic water filters will not make the water safe.

Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, and flushing toilets, but not for brushing teeth or gargling. Parents should take caution when bathing children to ensure they do not swallow bath water.

For preparing infant formula, tap water should be boiled once at a rolling boil for one minute and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used, though natural mineral water should only be used as a last resort due to potentially high sodium levels. Ready-to-use formula that does not require added water can also be used.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication about Boil Water Notices. Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds, particularly around children.

Customers can stay informed through Uisce Éireann's website at water.ie, X @IWCare, or the 24/7 customer care helpline at 1800 278 278. A free text service providing real-time updates for local issues is available by signing up with an Eircode and mobile number at water.ie.