Uisce Éireann Begins Night Works in College Road Area to Tackle Water Discolouration

Targeted flushing works commence tonight as part of ongoing city-wide programme to improve water quality for Cork homes and businesses.

Uisce Éireann crews are arriving in the College Road area tonight, Monday 29 September, to begin a four-week programme of proactive flushing works aimed at addressing water discolouration issues across Cork City.

The night-time works will run from 10pm to 4am over four nights, targeting areas including Donovans Road, O'Donovan Rossa Road, Gillabbey Park, Connaught Avenue, College Road (from Donovans Road to Gillabbey Street), Sunview Terrace, and College Square.

The initiative forms part of Uisce Éireann's broader network improvement plan to tackle discolouration reports that have affected parts of the city. The flushing works help remove sediment, including naturally occurring metals such as manganese and iron, that can become dislodged from older cast iron pipes.

James Goulding, Water Operations Lead for Uisce Éireann, said:

"We are moving into the College Road area to carry out proactive flushing works. These works are an integral part of the improvement works underway to address reports of discolouration. We would like to thank our customers for their continued patience while our crews work through the programme plan. I would like to continue to urge customers to report instances of discolouration when they occur, this reporting is vital and feeds into where future works in the city are focused."

Signage will be placed in affected areas as works progress. Residents are advised to check the supply and services sectionof the Uisce Éireann website for updates.

If water becomes discoloured during or after the works, Uisce Éireann recommends running the cold kitchen tap for up to 20 minutes, which should restore the water to a clear colour. The water remains safe to drink once it runs clear.

Customers experiencing persistent discolouration can contact Uisce Éireann's customer care team on 1800 278 278 or use the dedicated online reporting form.

The College Road works follow similar operations completed earlier this year in Blackpool, Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Silversprings, Blackrock Road, and Shanakiel. In 2024, Uisce Éireann carried out targeted flushing in seven different areas across Cork City.

Further information on manganese and iron in drinking water is available from the HSE, while general advice on discoloured water can be found on the Uisce Éireann website.