Crews working to lift Boil Water Notice issued for localised areas in Tuam

19 January 2024

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

Major programme of works progressing to improve water quality and supply for customers in Tuam

Uisce Éireann is progressing works to improve the water network in Tuam with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice that is currently in place for 46 customers in Kilcloghans as soon as possible. The project, being carried out in partnership with Galway County Council, involves the replacement of approximately 861m of cast iron water mains with new pipework.

Uisce Éireann’s Enda Mac Namara explained that as sections of the existing cast iron network are replaced, Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council will be in a position to consult with the HSE with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice. 

“Crews will commence works in the coming days to replace approximately 861m of old cast iron water mains along Milltown Road, which is a critical step in safeguarding the water supply to homes and businesses in Tuam ensuring a safer, more sustainable water supply."

“We acknowledge the inconvenience that customers on this supply are experiencing in Kilcloghans and would like to reassure them that we are working as quickly and as efficiently as possible to complete this vital programme of works for the town and provide them with a safe and secure water supply for generations to come.”

The section of works will take place along the R942 and N83. In order to safely deliver the works, a diversion will be required on the N83 however access will be maintained for local residents and businesses. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to the local community.

Uisce Éireann has prioritised the works under its National Leakage Reduction Programme which helps provide a more reliable water supply to communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Farrans Construction, in partnership with Galway County Council, is delivering the project on behalf of Uisce Éireann with completion expected in April. In the meantime, we will continue to closely monitor the local water supply to protect the health of our customers.  

The Leakage Reduction Programme works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruptions. 

Uisce Éireann assures other customers supplied by the Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme that their water is compliant with regulatory standards and safe to drink. Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled and cooled.

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.

Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.