Repair works completed following significant watermains burst in Cork City
21 February 2024
Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section.
Possible increase in discoloured water at customers’ taps as flushing works continues
Repair works have been completed following a significant burst to a watermain on Infirmary Road in Cork City yesterday. It was initially intended to carry out the repair work at an off-peak time, however, the break deteriorated requiring shutdown to prevent further damage to the pavement and roadway. Repair works were completed last night, and flushing work commenced. The flushing work will continue throughout today. The footpath was temporarily reinstated last night to ensure it was fully open to pedestrians this morning and will be assessed to determine its permanent reinstatement.
Following any significant activity on the water network, we usually see increased reports of sediment becoming dislodged from the old cast iron pipes, resulting in discoloured water at customers’ taps. If your tap water is discoloured, running the tap for up to 20 minutes will usually restore water to a clear colour. Water is safe to drink once the water is running clear. Uisce Éireann continues to advise customers not to drink discoloured water.
Ongoing testing and analysis of the water supply continues, in conjunction with extensive monitoring across Cork City’s distribution network. This ensures the water is compliant with drinking water regulations and is safe to drink. The results of these ongoing tests are shared with the EPA and the HSE.
Sean Lynch, Operations Lead for Uisce Éireann in Cork City said: “I want to thank our crews for getting the burst repaired so quickly, and for starting the flushing works late last night. We understand the inconvenience that unplanned outages can have, and we thank customers for their support.”
The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and updates are also issued via Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @IWCare.
Previous Updates
Possible increase in discoloured water at customers taps
Following a significant burst to a watermain on Infirmary Road in Cork City, a water outage is required in order to carry out complex repair works.Following any significant activity on the water network, we usually see increased repots of sediment becoming dislodged from the old cast iron pipes, resulting in discoloured water at customers taps.
Areas potentially impacted include: Infirmary Road, Langford Row, Southern Road, High Street, Summerhill South, Quaker Road, Windmill Road, Old BlackRock Road, Borreenmanna Road, Blackrock Road and surrounding areas
If your tap water is discoloured, running the tap for up to 20 minutes will usually restore water to a clear colour. Water is safe to drink once the water is running clear. Uisce Éireann continues to advise customers not to drink discoloured water.
Ongoing testing and analysis of the water supply continues, in conjunction with extensive monitoring across Cork City’s distribution network. This ensures the water is compliant with drinking water regulations and is safe to drink. The results of these ongoing tests are shared with the EPA and the HSE.
Sean Lynch, Operations Lead for Uisce Éireann in Cork City said:
“We understand the inconvenience that unplanned outages can have, and we thank customers for their support. Given the location of the burst, the repair works are more complex and may take longer than usual. The majority of customers should see their water supply returned tonight and we will continue to keep the community updated as the works progress.”
Following repair works, it typically takes two to three hours for normal supply to fully restore to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. Uisce Éireann continues to provide detailed, real-time, and local information about water Service and Supply Issues on our website. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and updates are also issued via Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @IWCare.
To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit www.water.ie/vulnerablecustomer.