Boil water notice remains in place for 4,194 customers in Macroom area

As 2025 commences, customers supplied by the Macroom Public Water Supply are still awaiting the lifting of the boil water notice for the area.

The notice was issued on September 30, after consultation with the HSE and due to what the utility said was increased turbidity and operational difficulties at the water treatment plant.

The notice was issued as a precautionary measure to protect the health of approximately 4,194 customers and supplied by the Macroom Public Water Supply.

Although there had been hope that the boil water notice would be lifted for Christmas, an announcement from Uisce Éireann on December 20 confirmed that it would remain in place over the festive period.

Uisce Éireann state they are continuing to prioritise works to safely lift this notice in the shortest possible timeframe. They are also implementing remedial measures to existing processes and undertaking the longer-term upgrade of the water treatment plant. One of the remedial measures includes the installation of a replacement filter media.

The hope now is that the notice will be lifted this month.

Speaking with The Echo, Fine Gael county councilor for the Macroom Electoral Area, Eileen Lynch, expressed her hope there will be a resolution as soon as possible.

“Whilst works are ongoing on the new treatment centre, it is badly needed and I am delighted that it is progressing, it is progressing at way too slow a pace, considering the population of the town and the growing population. This is the seventh boil water notice since 2022. It is an awful lot within two years. At the moment I would hope it would be resolved very shortly.”

Uisce Éireann said it is continuing to liaise and consult with the HSE, with a view to lifting the boil water notice for the Macroom area as soon as practicable.

Uisce Éireann said they are determined to keep customers informed across multiple platforms and has encouraged customers to engage with them through their official website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278278.