Do Not Consume Notice for hundreds of Waterford homeowners due to arsenic in water supply

Uisce Éireann is reminding customers on the Ballyogarty Public Water Supply Scheme in County Waterford that a Do Not Consume notice remains in place. 

This notice, which impacts more than 500 homes, was issued on Monday following consultation with the Health Service Executive to protect the health of customers following the detection elevated levels of arsenic in the supply. 

The notice applies to all areas supplied by the Ballyogarty Public Water Supply including Ballyogarty, Graigueshoneen, Cooltubrid East and areas of Kilmacthomas including Union Road, Hillside Crescent, Hillside Close and Cruachán View.

Uisce Eireann is advising those impacted that a Do Not Consume Notice is is not the same as a Boil Water Notice.

"Boiling the water is not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants. An alternative water supplies in the form of a bulk tanker remains in place at Kilmacthomas GAA Club. The alternative water supply is being replenished on a daily basis," said a spokesperson.

Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Uisce Éireann says drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

“Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice will have on the community. We would like to reassure impacted customers that we are working to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278," said Maura Phelan of Uisce Éireann.

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The advice to those impacted is that water from the scheme should not be used for

*Drinking

*Drinks made with water

*Food preparation, washing or cooking of food

*Brushing of teeth

*Making of ice

*Children under 12 months old should not drink this water

What can you use water for?

*The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils

*Uisce Éireann will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable.

Updates are available here, on X @IWCare and via the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.