Irish water addresses trihalomethanes concerns

IRISH Water has confirmed that major progress has taken place on the Lough Mask and Kiltimagh water supplies.

This follows the publication of a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which said consumers on both schemes are being exposed to trihalomethanes (THMs), which can potentially cause the growth of cancer cells.

Irish water said it has invested significant resources to address the issue of THMs in the Kiltimagh water supply. The works undertaken were completed earlier this year and are currently going through a process proving period to remove it from the remedial action list.

Since this investment has taken place there has been no THM exceedance recorded in this supply, the water authority confirmed.

Irish Water has also made significant investment in the Lough Mask water treatment plant to remove the threat of THMs. These were completed last year and since this investment has taken place there has been no THM exceedance recorded on this supply.

Based on Irish Water's process audits further upgrades on this scheme are also planned to increase its capacity and overall resilience.

Irish Water is currently in the process of addressing the THM issue on Inishturk. A design team has been appointed to review the raw water source and the treatment process in order to determine its viability and to identify additional ground water sources.