Further boil notices are on the cards.

9,500 homes in East Cork continue to be affected by a boil water notice that has been in place since December 25th.

Properties whose water comes from the Whitegate Regional Public Water supply include people in areas such as Whitegate, Aghada, Churchtown, Ballycotton, Saleen, Shanagarry, Ballinacura and areas of Cloyne. Irish Water has noted that if you are unsure whether or not your home is affected by the notice to contact them directly 1800 278 278.

The measure is still described as “precautionary,” though it has now been in place for almost a month. The decision was made following heavy rainfall which may have affected the safety of the water.

Those affected by the notice must boil their water for:

• Drinking;
• Drinks made with water;
• Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
• Brushing of teeth;
• Making of ice – discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.

The Irish Water website advises: “Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink.”

Irish Water’s Pat Britton said: “Public health is Irish Water’s number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice is having on the community in East Cork. However, the restriction has been put in place as a precaution in order to protect our consumers.

Britton went on to say: ““We in Irish Water completely understand the communities [sic] frustration and can ensure everyone that we working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the plant, both in the short and long term, and to lift the boil water notice as early as it is safe to do so. Sampling, in consultation with the HSE, has begun and we will aim to lift the notice as soon as it is safe to do so.

“However, until a long term solution has been implemented, there is a possibility that further Boil Water Notices may be imposed on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply in the coming months if the raw water source is adversely affected by weather conditions. We again apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.”