Read what to do.

Do Not Consume notice lifted for Barndarrig customers

16 July 2021

Uisce Éireann confirms that, following consultation and agreement with the HSE, the Do Not Consume notice impacting customers on the Barndarrig Public Water Supply, Co. Wicklow has been lifted with immediate effect. The notice was issued on 9 February 2021 to protect 213 customers following elevated levels of Nitrite in the water supply.

Uisce Éireann’s drinking water compliance and operational experts worked to resolve the situation as quickly and as safely as possible, in adherence with Government and HSE COVID-19 advice. In addition to a comprehensive investigative monitoring programme, remedial works were undertaken at the Barndarrig WTP which included the installation of additional online monitoring equipment and associated controls. These measures have sufficiently reduced the risk of elevated Nitrite entering the Barndarrig supply and the restriction notice can now be lifted. The EPA have also been notified.

Peter Thornton, Regional Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, said: “Uisce Éireann acknowledges and understands the impact this Do Not Consume Notice had on the community of Barndarrig and we sincerely regret the inconvenience. Our drinking water compliance and operational experts worked hard to resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible and we endeavoured to keep stakeholders updated at every stage of the process. We are grateful to the media, elected representatives and members of the public who shared the information. We would also like to thank Wicklow County Council and HSE for their input and support throughout the process."

Should customers have any queries regarding this Do Not Consume notice and the lifting of it they should contact Uisce Éireann directly on our customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278 or on Twitter @IWCare. For water supply updates please see the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Previous Updates

Uisce Éireann advises that the Do Not Consume Notice for customers supplied by Barndarrig Public Water Supply, Co. Wicklow remains in place. Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Do Not Consume Notice was issued on 9 February 2021 to protect 213 customers following elevated levels of nitrite in the water supply. The water is not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods, but is safe for hygiene, washing of utensils and use in washing machines and dishwashers. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants. Impacted customers have been directly notified.

Uisce Éireann is aware of the impacts the Do Not Consume Notice is having on the community of Barndarrig and would like to reassure impacted customers that Water’s drinking water compliance and operational experts are working hard to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. Uisce Éireann is installing new monitoring equipment at the water treatment plant to help us to safeguard the water supply for Barndarrig. This monitoring equipment will measure levels of nitrite in the water on an ongoing basis for a number of weeks, the results of which will determine if the restriction notice can be lifted, in consultation with the HSE, or if additional treatment and capital investment at the plant is necessary. We are committed to continuing to share updates on progress as we have them with all members of the community and their elected representatives.

An alternative water supply continues to be in place to support impacted customers and 5L bottles of water are available at the car park opposite Barndarrig church. Customers are reminded to follow the HSE guidance on social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene when collecting water.

Bottled water is available for delivery to customers who are registered as vulnerable on this supply. Vulnerable customers who haven’t registered with Uisce Éireann or those who have concerns about leaving their homes during the current pandemic should contact our customer care team, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

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

Peter Thornton, Regional Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, said “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact of this notice on the local community in Barndarrig and we would like to reassure impacted customers that our drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278. The water is safe to use for handwashing and personal hygiene and all customers on this water supply scheme should continue to follow public health advice on handwashing at this time.”

Public Health Advice:

This water should NOT be used for:

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Food preparation, washing or cooking of food
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making ice
  • 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 mains water for:

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

Updates area available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on freephone 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.

Uisce Éireann advises that the Do Not Consume Notice for customers supplied by Barndarrig Public Water Supply, Co. Wicklow remains in place. Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Do Not Consume Notice was issued on 9 February 2021 to protect 213 customers following elevated levels of nitrite in the water supply. The water is not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods, but is safe for hygiene, washing of utensils and use in washing machines and dishwashers. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants. Impacted customers have been directly notified. View the interactive map of areas impacted.

Uisce Éireann is aware of the impacts the Do Not Consume Notice is having on the community of Barndarrig and would like to reassure impacted customers that Water’s drinking water compliance and operational experts are working hard to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. Uisce Éireann is installing new monitoring equipment at the water treatment plant to help us to safeguard the water supply for Barndarrig. This monitoring equipment will measure levels of nitrite in the water on an ongoing basis for a number of weeks, the results of which will determine if the restriction notice can be lifted, in consultation with the HSE, or if additional treatment and capital investment at the plant is necessary. We are committed to continuing to share updates on progress as we have them with all members of the community and their elected representatives.

An alternative water supply continues to be in place to support impacted customers and 5L bottles of water are available at the car park opposite Barndarrig church. Customers are reminded to follow the HSE guidance on social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene when collecting water. 

Bottled water is available for delivery to customers who are registered as vulnerable on this supply. Vulnerable customers who haven’t registered with Uisce Éireann or those who have concerns about leaving their homes during the current pandemic should contact our customer care team, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. 

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

Peter Thornton, Regional Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, said “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact of this notice on the local community in Barndarrig and we would like to reassure impacted customers that our drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278. The water is safe to use for handwashing and personal hygiene and all customers on this water supply scheme should continue to follow public health advice on handwashing at this time.”

Public Health Advice:

This water should NOT be used for:

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Food preparation, washing or cooking of food
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making ice
  • 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 mains water for:

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

Updates area available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.

Uisce Éireann advises that the Do Not Consume Notice for customers supplied by Barndarrig Public Water Supply, Co. Wicklow remains in place. Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Do Not Consume Notice was issued on 9 February 2021 to protect 213 customers following elevated levels of nitrite in the water supply. The water is not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods, but is safe for hygiene and use in washing machines and dishwashers. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants. Impacted customers have been directly notified.

Uisce Éireann’s drinking water compliance and operational experts are working hard to lift the Do Not Consume Notice as quickly and as safely as possible and are progressing with plans to install additional equipment at the water treatment plant which will help us to safeguard the water supply for Barndarrig. The team are working to install this equipment in the coming weeks and when completed, Uisce Éireann will consult with the HSE with a view to lifting the Do Not Consume notice. Uisce Éireann understands the impact and inconvenience to the community of Barndarrig and thanks them for their patience and cooperation while we work to lift the notice.

An alternative water supply is in place to support impacted customers at the car park opposite Barndarrig church and is being provided in accordance with current Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions. Customers are reminded to follow the HSE guidance on social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene when collecting water. Bottled water continues to be arranged for vulnerable customers who are registered on this supply. Vulnerable customers who haven’t registered with Uisce Éireann or those who have concerns about leaving their homes during the current pandemic should contact our customer care team, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

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

Peter Thornton, Regional Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, said “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact of this notice on the local community in Barndarrig and we would like to reassure impacted customers that our drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278. The water is safe to use for handwashing and personal hygiene and all customers on this water supply scheme should continue to follow public health advice on handwashing at this time.”

Public Health Advice:

This water should NOT be used for:

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Food preparation, washing or cooking of food
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making ice
  • 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 mains water for:

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

Updates area available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann issued a Do Not Consume Notice for customers supplied by Barndarrig Public Water Supply, Co. Wicklow on 9 February 2021. The notice was issued to protect 213 customers following elevated levels of nitrite in the water supply.

The water is not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods, but is safe for hygiene and use in washing machines and dishwashers. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants. Uisce Éireann would like to remind the public to continue to follow public health advice on handwashing and hygiene.

We would like to reassure our customers that Uisce Éireann’s drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to lift the Do Not Consume Notice as quickly and as safely as possible, in consultation and agreement with the HSE. The EPA have been notified of the Do Not Consume Notice.

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

An alternative water supply continues to be in place to support impacted customers and bottled Water is available at the car park opposite Barndarrig church and is being provided in accordance with current Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions. Customers are reminded to continue to follow the HSE guidance on social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene when collecting water.

Impacted customers have been directly notified and bottled water continues to be arranged for vulnerable customers who are registered on this supply, in adherence with current HSE advice. Vulnerable customers or those who have concerns about leaving their homes during the current pandemic should contact our customer care team, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

Peter Thornton, Regional Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, said “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact of this notice on the local community in Barndarrig and we would like to reassure impacted customers that our drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278. The water is safe to use for handwashing and personal hygiene and all customers on this water supply scheme should continue to follow public health advice on handwashing at this time.”

Public Health Advice:

This water should NOT be used for:

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Food preparation, washing or cooking of food
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making ice
  • 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 mains water for:

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

Updates area available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann issued a Do Not Consume Notice for customers supplied by Barndarrig Public Water Supply, Co. Wicklow on 9 February 2021. The notice was issued to protect 213 customers following elevated levels of nitrite in the water supply.

The water is not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods, but is safe for hygiene and use in washing machines and dishwashers. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants. Uisce Éireann would like to remind the public to continue to follow public health advice on handwashing and hygiene.

We cannot be conclusive about how long this Do Not Consume Notice will continue at present, however, we would like to reassure our customers that Uisce Éireann’s drinking water and operational experts are working with our colleagues in Wicklow County Council, and in consultation with the HSE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to lift the Do Not Consume Notice as quickly and as safely as possible. Further sampling and monitoring is ongoing to support continued investigations to resolve the issue.

We would like to reassure our customers that Uisce Éireann’s drinking water and operational experts are working with our colleagues in Wicklow County Council and in consultation with the HSE to lift the Do Not Consume Notice as quickly and as safely as possible. Further sampling and monitoring is ongoing to support continued investigations to resolve the issue.

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

An alternative water supply continues to be in place to support impacted customers and bottled Water is available at the car park opposite Barndarrig church and is being provided in accordance with current Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions. Customers are reminded to continue to follow the HSE guidance on social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene when collecting water.

Impacted customers have been directly notified and bottled water continues to be arranged for vulnerable customers who are registered on this supply, in adherence with current HSE advice. Vulnerable customers or those who have concerns about leaving their homes during the current pandemic should contact our customer care team, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

Peter Thornton, Regional Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, said “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact of this notice on the local community in Barndarrig and we would like to reassure impacted customers that our drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278. The water is safe to use for handwashing and personal hygiene and all customers on this water supply scheme should continue to follow public health advice on handwashing at this time.”

Public Health Advice:

This water should NOT be used for:

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Food preparation, washing or cooking of food
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making ice
  • 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 mains water for:

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

Updates area available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. 

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann has issued a Do Not Consume Notice to protect 213 customers supplied by Barndarrig Public Water Supply due to elevated levels of nitrite in the water supply.

The water is not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods, but is safe for hygiene and use in washing machines and dishwashers. Uisce Éireann would like to remind the public to continue to follow public health advice on handwashing and hygiene. 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 Nitrite 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 Co. Wicklow. Please view the attached map of the areas impacted. 

An alternative water supply is in place to support impacted customers. Bottled Water is available in Barndarrig at the car park opposite the church and is being provided in accordance with current Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions. Customers are reminded to continue to follow the HSE guidance on social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene when collecting water.

Impacted customers are being directly notified and bottled water has been arranged for vulnerable customers who are registered on this supply, in adherence with current HSE advice. We would ask vulnerable customers or those who have concerns about leaving their homes during the current pandemic to contact our customer care team, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. Uisce Éireann’s drinking water compliance and operational experts are working to resolve this issue as quickly and as safely as possible.

Peter Thornton, Regional Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, said “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact of this notice on the local community in Barndarrig. We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278. The water is safe to use for handwashing and personal hygiene and all customers on this water supply scheme should continue to follow public health advice on handwashing at this time.”

Public Health Advice:

This water should NOT be used for:

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Food preparation, washing or cooking of food
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making ice
  • 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 mains water for:

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

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

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.