East Cork Residents Face Prolonged Boil Water Notice as €22 Million Treatment Plant Upgrade Continues

Approximately 10,000 customers in East Cork remain under a Boil Water Notice that has been in place since October 2023, with relief not expected until a major water treatment plant upgrade is completed in 2026.

Uisce Éireann issued the notice in conjunction with the HSE as a precautionary measure due to increased turbidity and deterioration of the raw water source supplying the Whitegate Public Water Supply. The deteriorated water quality could compromise the disinfection process at the treatment plant, making the water unsafe to drink without boiling.

The affected areas include Aghada, Churchtown, Ballycotton, Saleen, Shanagarry, Ballinacura, and parts of Cloyne. Residents can check if their property is affected by visiting www.water.ie and entering their Eircode or calling the customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.

The utility company explained that turbidity in the incoming raw water is largely influenced by seasonal changes in Irish weather. Given the limitations of the existing water treatment plant and pump station, it has proven extremely difficult to resolve the issue and lift the notice.

However, work on a €22 million upgrade of the Whitegate Water Treatment Plant began in July 2024. The project, carried out by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann, will create a state-of-the-art facility capable of providing 6 million litres of treated water per day. The enhanced treatment facilities are designed to address the water quality risks and frequent boil water notices that East Cork residents have experienced in recent years.

Uisce Éireann acknowledged the frustration and significant inconvenience experienced by the local community, assuring residents that work is progressing as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Under the notice, water must be boiled for drinking, making beverages, preparing uncooked foods like salads, brushing teeth, and making ice. Residents should discard existing ice cubes and filtered water in refrigerators, replacing them with ice made from cooled boiled water.

The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, and toilet flushing, but not for brushing teeth or gargling. Parents are advised to take particular care when bathing children to ensure they don't swallow bath water.

For infant formula preparation, tap water should be boiled to a rolling boil for one minute and cooled. Bottled water can also be used but should likewise be boiled and cooled. Natural mineral water should be avoided where possible due to high sodium levels.

Vulnerable customers registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication about boil water notices. Updates are available on the Water Supply Updates section of www.water.ie, on X @IWCare, and via the 24/7 customer care helpline.