Boil Water Notice lifted for customers on the Abbeyfields Public Water Supply

In consultation with the Health Service Executive, Uisce Éireann can confirm that a Boil Water Notice has been put in place with immediate effect for all customers on the Abbeyfields and Meadow View Housing Estate Clonard Public Water Scheme, Co Meath.

The Boil Water Notice affects approximately 328 people.

The Boil Water Notice has been put in place as a precautionary measure following issues with the treatment process at the water treatment plant which may have compromised the disinfection process which makes the water safe to drink.

Uisce Éireann’s drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

In the meantime, all customers of this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.

In thanking the affected community for their cooperation and patience, Donal Heaney, Uisce Éireann said: “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact and inconvenience caused by the imposition of a Boil Water Notice to homes and businesses. We wish to thank the community for their patience and cooperation while we work to resolve this issue. Uisce Éireann’s priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water and safeguarding that water supply for the future is a vital focus.

"Uisce Éireann is contacting registered vulnerable customers who are affected by this Boil Water Notice to advise them.”

Boil Water Notice advice

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. It is important to continue to follow the HSE guidance when collecting water including social distancing and hand hygiene.
• 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
• Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
• If you have pets and are concerned about the impact of providing mains water while this BWN is in place, you should ask your local vet for advice
• Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Further information on using water during a Boil Water Notice can be found on our Boil Water Notice page. Should customers have any queries regarding this Boil Water Notice they should contact Uisce Éireann directly on our customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section and via Twitter @IWCare.