Storm leads to water restrictions in two Cork towns

The heavy rain which occurred across Cork during Sunday's Orange weather alert is being blamed for restrictions on the water supply in Macroom and Clonakilty which were introduced on Monday evening.

A Boil Water notice was issued in Macroom on Monday evening, the sixth such notice in a two year period, following Sunday's rainfall.  The notice comes just five days after the previous notice, which lasted more than a month, was lifted. 

In Clonakilty, Uisce Éireann have issued a notice advising of night-time restrictions which will be in force from 11.30pm on Monday until 6.30am on Tuesday.  The reason given by Uisce Éireann for the introduction of restrictions is 'to maintain a daytime supply'.

"In particular, high ground areas will experience a reduction in pressure and flow during restrictions," it said in a statement from the utility. 

Niall O'Riordan of Uisce Éireann said that the company understood that the restrictions would cause an inconvenience and expressed gratitude to the community for 'their understanding'. 

“These restrictions are required due to a marked deterioration in the quality of the raw water supply and associated operational issues following yesterday’s status orange weather warning," said Mr. O'Riordan. "The measures are being put in place to ensure sufficient water supply to homes and businesses during daytime hours."

The boil water notice in Macroom will affect 4,194 customers and its announcement is being attributed to 'a combination of elevated levels of turbidity and operational issues at Macroom Water Treatment Plant caused by adverse weather during yesterday's (Sunday's) Met Éireann status orange weather warning'.

The impact of the announcement of t latest Boil Water notice would have on customers was acknowledged by Mr. O'Riordan of Uisce Éireann. 

"We regret any inconvenience caused for impacted customers once again," he said. "The notice, caused by a marked deterioration in the quality of the raw water supply and consequent operational issues at the treatment plant, has been put in place to protect the health of customers on the Macroom Public Water Supply. 

"Public health is our number one priority, and we would like to assure customers that we are working to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Qccording to a statement from the utility, Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins. 

"Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s end Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

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 - ice cubes already in the fridge as well as filtered water should be discarded.

Water need not be boiled for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets.  Water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil.

Uisce Éireann said in its statement that it was committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms on a 24/7 basis.  

"We encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues."