Inishbofin Do Not Consume Notice lifted with immediate effect

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council would like to remind customers supplied by the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme that the Do Not Consume Notice issued in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), remains in place. 

The notice, arising due to elevated levels of manganese, has been put in place to protect the health of a population of approximately 156 customers. Elevated levels were likely due to extremely low water levels in Lough Fawna (lake) after a prolonged period of dry weather.

It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants.

Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water will not reduce manganese levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. 

Tankered water is being made available on the island, near the pier, to provide an alternative water supply to customers. 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 drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible. 

Speaking about the imposition of the notice, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Manager, Anthony Skeffington, said: "Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice will have on the community on the Island. We would like to reassure customers that we are working with our colleagues in Galway County Council and in consultation with the HSE and the EPA to lift the Do Not Consume notice as quickly and as safely as possible."

“Lough Fawna  water levels have replenished significantly in recent weeks, with notable improvements in raw water quality. A programme of works to clean the reservoir has also been undertaken and completed this week, with network flushing also in progress. We are continuing to monitor samples to ensure that manganese levels have returned to acceptable levels."
 
Anthony added: “We again apologise for the inconvenience this has caused. We are grateful to the media, elected representatives and members of the public who are sharing the information. We would ask customers who have queries or concerns, particularly vulnerable or elderly customers, to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.”

This water 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
• In particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. 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.
• Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
• Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
• Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges

What can you use water for?

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

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable.
 
Updates will be available on our Supply and Service Updates section, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council would like to remind customers supplied by the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme that the Do Not Consume Notice issued in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), remains in place. 

The notice, arising due to elevated levels of manganese, has been put in place to protect the health of a population of approximately 156 customers. Elevated levels were likely due to extremely low water levels in Lough Fawna (lake) after a prolonged period of dry weather.

It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants.

Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water will not reduce manganese levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. 

Tankered water is being made available on the island, near the pier, to provide an alternative water supply to customers. 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 drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

Speaking about the imposition of the notice, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Manager, Anthony Skeffington, said: "Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice will have on the community on the Island. However, the restriction has been put in place in order to protect our consumers. Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council are working tirelessly to lift the boil water notice as early as it safe to do so."

“Lough Fawna water levels have replenished significantly in recent weeks, with notable improvements in raw water quality. Operational works are continuing at the treatment plant to optimise its performance. We are continuing to monitor samples to ensure that manganese levels have returned to acceptable levels."
 
Anthony added: “We again apologise for the inconvenience this has caused. We are grateful to the media, elected representatives and members of the public who are sharing the information. We would ask customers who have queries or concerns, particularly vulnerable or elderly customers, to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.”

This water 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
• In particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. 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.
• Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
• Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
• Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges

What can you use water for?

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

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable.
 
Updates will be available on our Supply and Service Updates section, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council would like to remind customers supplied by the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme that the Do Not Consume Notice issued in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), remains in place. 

The notice, arising due to elevated levels of manganese, has been put in place to protect the health of a population of approximately 156 customers. Elevated levels were likely due to extremely low water levels in Lough Fawna (lake) after a prolonged period of dry weather.

It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants.

Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water will not reduce manganese levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. 

Tankered water is being made available on the island, near the pier, to provide an alternative water supply to customers. 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 drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible. 

Speaking about the imposition of the notice, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Manager, Anthony Skeffington, said: “I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council to the people of Inishbofin who have been living with this Do Not Consume notice. I understand it is extremely frustrating for all the community and all concerned, but I would like to reiterate that we are working as quickly as we can to resolve the issues on site."

“Water levels at our source lake have reduced to historic lows due to a significant depletion in rainfall. As water levels rise through autumn and into winter we expect to see a reduction in manganese levels which would enable the lifting of the notice. In the interim we are continuing to carry out operational works at the treatment plant to optimise its performance. However due to the nature of these issues, it is likely that the notice will remain in place for a number of weeks.”

Anthony added: “Public health remains our number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice is having on the community. However, the Do Not Consume Notice has been put in place to protect our consumers and we thank them again for their patience.”

This water 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
• In particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. 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.
• Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
• Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
• Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges

What can you use water for?

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

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

Updates will be available on our Supply and Service Updates section, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council would like to remind customers supplied by the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme that the Do Not Consume Notice issued in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), remains in place. 

The notice, arising due to elevated levels of manganese, has been put in place to protect the health of a population of approximately 156 customers. Elevated levels were likely due to extremely low water levels in Lough Fawna (lake) after a prolonged period of dry weather.

It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants.

Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water will not reduce manganese levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. 

Tankered water is being made available on the island, near the pier, to provide an alternative water supply to customers. 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 drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible. 

Speaking about the imposition of the notice, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Manager, Anthony Skeffington, said: “Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council to the people of Inishbofin who have been living with this Do Not Consume notice. I understand it is extremely frustrating for all the community and all concerned, but I would like to reiterate that we are working as quickly as we can to resolve the issues on site. 

“Water levels at our source lake have reduced to historic lows due to a significant depletion in rainfall. As water levels rise through autumn and into winter we expect to see a reduction in manganese levels which would enable the lifting of the notice. In the interim we are continuing to carry out operational works at the treatment plant to optimise its performance. However due to the nature of these issues, it is likely that the notice will remain in place for a number of weeks.”

Anthony added: “Public health remains our number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice is having on the community. However, the Do Not Consume Notice has been put in place to protect our consumers and we thank them again for their patience.”

This water 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
• In particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. 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.
• Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
• Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
• Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges

What can you use water for?

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

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

Updates will be available on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council would like to remind customers supplied by the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme that the Do Not Consume Notice issued in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), remains in place. 

The notice, arising due to elevated levels of manganese, has been put in place to protect the health of a population of approximately 156 customers. Elevated levels were likely due to extremely low water levels in Lough Fawna (lake) after a prolonged period of dry weather.

It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants.

Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water will not reduce manganese levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. 

Tankered water is being made available on the island, near the pier, to provide an alternative water supply to customers. 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 drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible. 

Speaking about the imposition of the notice, Rónan Daly, Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann said “Uisce Éireann is aware of the impact a Do Not Consume Notice has on the community and would like to reassure impacted customers that we are working hard to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. 

“A specialist contractor has replaced components of the filtration process which have become compromised as a result of the poor raw water quality. We are also adjusting the treatment processes at the plant and conducting extensive testing to ensure the treated water meets the required standard. A sustained period of rainfall will also be required over a number of weeks to increase the levels in the source lake which should also improve the quality of the raw water. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.”

This water 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
• In particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. 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.
• Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
• Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
• Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges

What can you use water for?

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

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

Updates will be available on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 

Due to elevated levels of manganese in the Inishbofin Public Water Supply and following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council issued a Do Not Consume Notice on the 3rd of September to protect the health of all consumers on this scheme. Elevated levels were likely due to extremely low water levels in Lough Fawna (lake) after a prolonged period of dry weather. Following investigations onsite, Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council advise that elevated manganese levels may have occurred prior to the imposition of the Do Not Consume notice and that water from the public supply was potentially not meeting regulatory standards from the 11th of August 2022.

Uisce Éireann have consulted extensively with the HSE and the advice for anyone who may have consumed the water from the public supply from the 11th of August onwards and has health concerns, is to contact their GP for advice. Further information is also contained in a HSE bulletin being shared directly with all residents.

Drinking water will generally become unpalatable (discoloured with an unpleasant taste) at levels above 50 µg/l which will deter you from drinking it. Boiling the water will not make it safe to consume.

Use another water source when:

• Drinking water, including filtered water or drinks made from water
• Brushing your teeth or gargling with water
• Making ice (throw away existing ice cubes)
• Preparing foods you don't cook, such as salads or fruit
• Giving drinking water to pets

You can continue to use tap water when you:

• Shower
• Bath
• Flush the toilet

Tankered and bottled water is being made available on the island, on the old pier, and supplies will be replenished twice weekly for as long as required. Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil the water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Uisce Éireann would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and our drinking water compliance team and operational experts are working with colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible. A specialist contractor has arrived on site today to replace components of the filtration process which have become compromised as a result of the poor raw water quality. Uisce Éireann are also adjusting the treatment processes at the plant and conducting extensive testing to ensure the treated water meets the required standard.

A sustained period of rainfall will be required over a number of weeks to increase the levels in the source lake which should also improve the quality of the raw water. The Do Not Consume Notice will only be lifted once we are fully satisfied the treatment process is consistently producing safe and compliant drinking water.

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available on 1800 278 278 for any queries you might have.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Galway County Council, has issued a Do Not Consume Notice for all consumers on the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme due to elevated levels of manganese. The notice applies to approximately 156 customers  supplied by the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme.

It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants.

Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water will not reduce manganese levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. This notice does not apply to other areas and water schemes in Galway. 

Tankered water is being made available on the island, near the pier, to provide an alternative water supply to customers. 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 drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible. 

Speaking about the imposition of the notice, Rónan Daly, Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann said “Uisce Éireann is aware of the impact a Do Not Consume Notice has on the community and would like to reassure impacted customers that we are working hard 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.”

This water 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
• In particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. 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.
• Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
• Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
• Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges

What can you use water for?

• The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils
• Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable.

Updates will be available on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.