Plans are in place for short and long-term solutions for a more reliable water supply in Killavullen

Irish Water and Cork County Council wish to remind customers supplied by the Killavullen Public Water Supply, that the Boil Water Notice (BWN) issued on 2 May, 2022 remains in place.

The Boil Water Notice has been put in place due to high levels of turbidity in the borehole supply. 

Irish Water and Cork County Council continue to work to rectify the issues at Killavullen Water Treatment Plant with a view to lifting the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. 

Irish Water’s Operations Lead, Pat Britton said: “Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of Irish Water and Cork County Council to the people of Killavullen who have been living with this BWN since May. I understand it is extremely frustrating for all the community and all concerned, but I would like to reiterate that we are working as quickly as we can to resolve these complex issues on site.

“Unfortunately we are still experiencing ongoing turbidity issues in the water source which is preventing us from lifting the BWN. Secondly, Irish Water, together with our colleagues in Cork County Council, are implementing short-term works to improve the reliability of the source, as well as progressing the long-term plans for the water supply in the Killavullen area.

“Public health remains our number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice is having on the community in Killavullen. However, the Boil Water Notice has been put in place to protect our consumers and we thank them again for their patience.”

In the short term, additional UV treatment and storage will be provided, that aims to alleviate the turbidity problem and reduce the number of, and durations of, BWN’s. In the long-term, Irish Water have approved funding to build a pipeline that will connect Killavullen to the Mallow Public Water Supply Scheme. Tender documents are currently being prepared and will issue to the market shortly.  

In line with HSE COVID-19 advice and the requirement for frequent hand washing, Irish Water advises that the water remains suitable for this purpose and boiling the water is not required.

Vulnerable customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

Water must be boiled 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.

What actions should be taken:

• Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads);
• Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling;
• 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;
• Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water;

Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na’ is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.

Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Irish Water is working closely with Cork County Council to lift the notice as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section on water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Further information in relation to the Boil Water Notice is available from https://www.water.ie/water-supply/water-quality/boil-water-notice/

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.