Boil Water Notice issued for customers supplied by the Galtee Regional Water Supply Scheme

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

Uisce Éireann, in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), has issued a Boil Water Notice for customers supplied by the Galtee Regional Water Supply Scheme to protect the health of approximately 11,800 customers.

The areas affected include all areas supplied by the Galtee Regional Public Water Supply including Cashel,  Ballyglass, Lisnagaul   Ardlomen , Bruis,  Rathkea, Clonpet, Toor, Kilross, Ballywire ,Lattin   Moanmore, Tulla, Coolboy Emly, Ballynaveen, Drumcomoge,Shronell, Ballccohy, Ballinard, Glenbane, Farranasa, Cullen, Longstone, Ballinulty, Ardlaman Ballygordan, Ballykisteen, Limerick Junction, Bohercrow  Coolmoyne, Kilbraugh, Derryluskin, Ballyvadin, ArdsallaghTullamain, barrettstown, Racecourse, Garryandrew Hills Lot, Prices Lot, Newinn, Suirvile, Knockgraffon, Ballygerald, Rockwell, Marlhill, Boytonrath, Dranganbeg, Outragh, Blackcastle ,Ballinattin, Kilmoyler, Ballydrehid,  Tankerstown and surrounding areas.

A map of the area is attached and available to view on the Supply and Services section of our website.

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of our website and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.  

This week customers supplied by the Galtee Regional Supply Scheme have experienced considerable challenges due to reduced availability of raw water and extremely high demand across the scheme.

As a result, some customers have experienced intermittent water supply problems, with nighttime restrictions being introduced to protect daytime supplies. However, due to critically low treated reservoir levels, it is expected that some customers will experience low water pressure and no water during daytime periods.

The reduced availability of raw water from the source has led to quality issues which are causing challenges to the disinfection processes at the plant, and as result a Boil Water Notice has been put in place to protect public health.

Alternative water supplies are available for customers at Emly GAA club, Kilross Village car park, Lattin Cemetery, Cullen National School and Limerick Junction car park.

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

Uisce Éireann’s Pierce Faherty said; “We recognise the difficulties and inconvenience experienced by customers across the Galtee Regional Water Supply Scheme. Uisce Éireann crews continue to work around the clock to restore normal water supplies and address the issues impacting the scheme. We thank customers for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period and want to assure them that every effort is being made to resolve the situation and have the Boil Water Notice lifted as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Uisce Éireann is asking customers in the Galtee Region and surrounding areas to be mindful of their water use and to conserve water wherever possible. Small changes in daily water use can make a significant difference in helping to protect water supplies and support the restoration of normal reservoir levels.

Uisce Éireann is working lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible, in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, the current issue with low reservoir levels impacting the disinfection process is expected to continue for the current dry period due to reduced raw water availability

Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins. Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the HSE is consulted, and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE. 

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices. 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 
• Preparing Infant Formula: Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used. 
• Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children. 

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at our Text Alerts page.