Achill community thanked as work continues on water supply

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

The community in Achill have shown tremendous patience and support since a Boil Notice Water was issued for their water supply this week and Uisce Éireann thanks them for their continued co-operation while we work to restore normal service.

We know how disruptive a Boil Water Notice is for residents and businesses in any community and particularly in Achill during this busy summer season when the island is at its most vibrant.

Protecting public health is our priority and the notice remains in place while we continue to address issues affecting the supply. This means that all customers supplied by the Achill Public Water Supply and group water schemes including Ards / Currane, Bleanaskil 1, Dooega, Dooniver, Dugort No.1, Dugort No.2, Sraheen (Achill) and Valley 1 must boil their water before consumption until further notice.

Our Operations and Drinking Water Compliance teams are working around the clock to progress the actions required to lift the notice as quickly and as safety as possible, in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Colette Scahill, Uisce Éireann Water Networks Operations Manager for Mayo, has assured customers in Achill that lifting the Boil Water Notice is a priority.

“I understand how disruptive this Boil Water Notice on everyday life. We know the last few days have been challenging for households, businesses and visitors across Achill and we’re grateful for the support shown to our teams on site by the community.

"We want to reassure customers that everyone involved is fully focused on lifting the notice as quickly and as safely as possible and we appreciate the patience, understanding and support of the Achill community while this work continues.

“This notice was put in place due to treatment issues at the Achill Water Treatment Plant, caused by high water temperatures. This coupled with a surge in demand on the supply meant the plant could not treat the water sufficiently. Given the issues we face the Boil Water Notice may be in place for a number of weeks.”

In the meantime, Uisce Éireann is asking all residents and visitors to continue to be mindful of their water usage. Conserving water will help support supplies across the island and reduce pressure on the network and avoid the necessity of overnight restrictions.

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of of our website and entering their Eircode or by calling Uisce Éireann's customer care team, available 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann continue to receive direct communications regarding the notice.

Customers are reminded that water is safe to consume once boiled. Water must be boiled for drinking, preparing food that is not cooked, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing drinks.

Uisce Éireann remains committed to supporting the Achill community throughout this period and will continue to provide updates as work progresses.

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 are available on our Water Supply Updates section of our website, on X @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at our Text Alerts page.