Uisce Éireann Water Flushing Works Begin Tonight in College Road Area
Works run after 10pm for three nights to improve water quality.
Uisce Éireann's targeted flushing programme continues across Cork City tonight, with works commencing in the College Road area as part of ongoing efforts to improve water quality and address discolouration issues.
The latest phase of proactive flushing works begins this evening, Monday, 06 October 2025, and is expected to take approximately three nights to complete. The works are part of Uisce Éireann's network improvement plan to tackle water discolouration affecting homes and businesses across the city.
Eight streets in the College Road area will be affected by this round of flushing: Wycherley Terrace, Wycherley Place, McCurtain Villas, Elmhurst Mews, Fullers Road, St. Finbarr's Road, Bandon Road (from Wycherley Terrace to 98 Street), and 98 Street (from Bandon Road to Noonan Road).
To minimise disruption, all works will be carried out during off-peak hours, typically starting after 10pm and finishing in the early hours of the morning. This timing allows the network to return to normal before morning demand begins, reducing the likelihood of discoloured water appearing at customers' taps.
James Goulding, Uisce Éireann's Operations Manager, said:
"We continue to see positive benefits from undertaking this programme of flushing and continue to monitor instances of reported discolouration. I would like to encourage customers to continue to report instances of discolouration through our new online reporting form or via our customer care team on 1800 278 278."
Signage will be placed in the affected areas as works progress. Customers are advised to check the supply and services section of the Uisce Éireann website for updates.
Water discolouration can occur when sediment, including naturally occurring metals such as manganese and iron, becomes dislodged from old cast iron pipes. In the event of discolouration, running the cold kitchen tap for up to 20 minutes will usually restore the water to a clear colour. The water is safe to drink once running clear.
If discolouration persists, customers should contact Uisce Éireann's customer care team on 1800 278 278 or report it via the dedicated online form for prompt investigation.
This year, Uisce Éireann has concentrated flushing works in several Cork City areas, including Blackpool, Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Silversprings, Blackrock Road, and Shanakiel. The programme follows similar targeted work carried out across seven different District Metering Areas in 2024.
Further information on water quality and discoloured water is available on the Uisce Éireann website. The HSE also provides guidance on manganese and iron in drinking water.
