Boil water notice issued for Clare Island public water supply

FOLLOWING advice from the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Mayo County Council have issued a boil water notice for the area supplied by the Clare Island public water supply to protect approximately 165 people following a recent drinking water quality test.

The notice has been put in place due to the detection of cryptosporidium in the Clare Island public water supply.

Cryptosporidium is a tiny parasite found in human and animal waste. If it is swallowed (ingested), it can cause a disease called cryptosporidiosis. The symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include fever, stomach upset, weight loss and diarrhoea.

Cryptosporidium may be found in water if it has been contaminated or if there has been a problem with water treatment.

Experts from Irish Water and Mayo County Council are working to assess the situation and investigate and implement solutions to lift the notice as quickly as possible. In the meantime, all customers of this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.

Said Ger Greally, Irish Water’s operations lead for Mayo: “We understand the disruption a boil water notice can cause. We are working closely with our colleagues in Mayo County Council and the HSE to address this issue and lift the notice as quickly as it is safe to do so and safeguard the supply for the future.”

Vulnerable customers who have concerns can contact the customer care team on 1800 278 278.

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.