Community thanked as Newport Boil Water Notice is lifted
Families and businesses in Newport, Ballina, Birdhill, Ballinahinch, Killoscully and surrounding areas can return to using their water supply as normal following the lifting of the Boil Water Notice.
Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann can confirm that the water is safe to drink, prepare food with and use as normal.
The notice has been lifted following a series of satisfactory water quality tests.
Newport’s drinking water comes from the Mulkear River. During periods of heavy rainfall, the quality of water coming into the treatment plant can change quickly, making it more challenging to treat. This was the issue that led to the Boil Water Notice being introduced on 25 October during Storm Boelo. Heavy rainfall can increase levels of debris, colour and turbidity in the river, all of which must be removed through the treatment process before the water is safe to drink.
Since the notice was introduced, our drinking water teams have been closely monitoring the supply, carrying out water quality testing and progressing upgrades at the treatment plant. Following satisfactory test results and consultation with the HSE, the water is now safe to use as normal.
We know the notice has had a real impact on day-to-day life for families, businesses and the wider community. We would like to thank everyone affected for their patience, understanding and support while our teams carried out the work needed to safely lift the notice.
While the notice has now been lifted, work is continuing to make Newport's water supply more resilient. Our teams are upgrading the filtration system and electronic controls at the water treatment plant to help it respond more effectively when the quality of water coming from the Mulkear River changes and we are also progressing plans to upgrade part of the treatment process to enhance resilience.
Until these upgrades are complete, however, the Newport supply remains vulnerable during periods when conditions in the Mulkear River become particularly challenging. This means there remains a risk that further Boil Water Notices may be needed over the coming months. Protecting public health has been and will always be our priority.
Alongside the upgrades already underway, we are progressing a further major investment in Newport's water supply, with elements of the project being accelerated in response to the increasing challenges at the plant. This longer-term investment will further strengthen the resilience and reliability of the water supply for homes, businesses, and the wider community into the future.
Anthony Phelan, Uisce Éireann, said:
“We know how disruptive a Boil Water Notice can be for families, businesses and everyday life, and I want to sincerely thank everyone in the community for the patience and understanding they have shown while this notice has been in place.
“Our drinking water teams have worked hard to resolve the issue and, following satisfactory water quality results, we’re very pleased that people can now return to using their water supply as normal. However, the Newport supply remains vulnerable to further boil water notices. The quality of water in the Mulkear River can change significantly following heavy rainfall, which can put additional pressure on the treatment processes at the plant.
“That’s why we’re taking action now. Upgrades to the plant are progressing and are due to be completed by the end of the year. We are also advancing a significant longer-term investment to make Newport’s water supply more resilient.
“Until those immediate upgrades are complete, there remains a risk that further Boil Water Notices may be needed if raw water conditions become particularly challenging. Protecting public health has been and will always be our priority.
“We will continue to keep the Newport community informed as these improvements progress and will share updates if there are any changes that could affect the water supply.”
Customers can stay informed about their local water service by checking the supply and service section of our website, checking our live feed at X @IWCare, or signing up to receive real-time text updates. Our customer care team is also available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.
Previous Updates
Customers in Newport must boil their water before using it for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth until further notice. This is an essential measure introduced to protect public health after increased turbidity caused by Storm Boelo affected the treatment process at the local water treatment plant.
Our team at Uisce Éireann understands that this will be disruptive and concerning for households and businesses across the area but we want to reassure customers that we are working to restore normal water quality as quickly as possible.
We consulted with the Health Service Executive (HSE) before putting this notice in place. The Boil Water Notice applies to 8,000 customers including all those in Newport Town, Birdhill, Ballina, Gortybrigane, Ballinahinch, Killoscully and the surrounding areas.
Newport’s drinking water comes from the Mulkear River. During periods of heavy rainfall, the quality of water coming into the treatment plant can change quickly, making it more challenging to treat. This was the issue that led to the Boil Water Notice being introduced.
Heavy rainfall can increase levels of debris, colour and turbidity in the river, all of which must be removed through the treatment process before the water is safe to drink.
Our teams are upgrading the filtration system and electronic controls at the water treatment plant to help it respond more effectively when the quality of water coming from the Mulkear River changes and we are also progressing plans to upgrade part of the treatment process to enhance resilience.
Customers can check if their property is affected by visiting the Water Quality Section of water.ie and entering their Eircode or by contacting Uisce Éireann’s customer care team, available 24/7, on 1800 278 278.
A map of the affected area is available on the Supply and Service section of our website.
Our drinking water experts are working to restore normal water quality and lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible, in consultation with the HSE.
Anthony Phelan Uisce Éireann, said:
“We know how important a safe and reliable water supply is to everyday life and we understand the inconvenience this notice will cause for customers, families, businesses and community groups across the area.
"Protecting public health is always our top priority. As soon as our monitoring identified issues affecting water quality, we acted immediately in consultation with the HSE to put this notice in place as a safety measure.
"Our teams are doing everything possible to resolve the issue and restore normal water quality as quickly as possible. We would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation while this essential work is carried out."
Uisce Éireann's drinking water standards are among the strictest in Europe and include significant safety margins. Where potential risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann's testing and monitoring programme, the HSE is consulted and precautionary notices may be issued to safeguard public health.
Customers are reminded that water is safe to consume once it has been boiled and cooled.
Water must be boiled for:
- Drinking
- Preparing drinks made with water
- Preparing salads and foods that are not cooked before eating
- Brushing teeth
- Making ice
What customers should do:
- Boil water by bringing it to a vigorous rolling boil and allow it to cool before use.
- Use boiled water when washing food that will not be cooked, such as salads.
- Water can still be used for washing, bathing and flushing toilets, but should not be used for brushing teeth or gargling.
- Domestic water filters will not make water safe to drink.
- Extra care should be taken when bathing children to ensure they do not swallow water.
- Great care should be taken when handling boiled water to avoid burns and scalds.
Vulnerable customers who are registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication when Boil Water Notices are issued.
Water Service Updates
Sign up for our free text service to be kept informed of water outages and works in your area.