Precautionary Do Not Consume Notice remains in place for 17 properties in Elsinore in Delgany

26 March 2024

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

Uisce Éireann and Wicklow County Council would like to remind customers that the precautionary Do Not Consume Notice issued in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), remains in place for 17 properties in Elsinore in Delgany, Co. Wicklow.

The notice, arising due to elevated levels of iron and low levels of chlorine has been put in place to protect the health of residents in 17 properties. Uisce Éireann would like to reassure customers that the notice is contained to a section of the public network supplying 17 properties in Elsinore, Delgany and does not impact the wider public supply area. 

Impacted customers have been contacted directly by letter drop. A map of the affected area is attached and available to view on the Supply and Service Section of our website.

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 iron levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. 

Uisce Éireann drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Wicklow County Council to resolve this situation as soon as possible. 

Speaking about the imposition of the notice, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Manager, Stephen Burke, said: Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice is having on customers. However, the restriction has been put in place in order to protect our consumers. Uisce Éireann and Wicklow County Council are working tirelessly to lift the Precautionary Do Not Consume Notice as early as it is safe to do so. 
 
Stephen added: “We apologise for any confusion caused and we would like to reassure customers that the notice is contained to a section of the network supplying 17 properties in Elsinore, Delgany and does not impact the wider supply area. 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 Wicklow 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 Water Supply Updates section, on X @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.