Flushing works to commence in area impacted by water discolouration on Cork's northside

One area in Cork which has been impacted by water discolouration will see proactive flushing commence this week.

Uisce Éireann’s Water Quality Taskforce for Cork city is undertaking a number of measures including its proactive flushing programme which target areas impacted by discolouration, the utility said.

On Wednesday, January 15, proactive flushing will commence in Mount Farran.

Water Operations Lead for Uisce Éireann, James Goulding said: 

“We are continuing with our proactive flushing in Mount Farran. Our goal is to minimise the instances of discolouration for the people of Cork city, based on where reports of discolouration have been received. Signage will be put in place in advance of flushing.” 

Uisce Éireann has said it is seeing a positive trend in areas that have been flushed, based on discolouration report numbers and proactive callbacks to customers.

Mr Goulding said: “We recognise that instances of discolouration are still arising in areas of Cork city and want to assure householders and businesses that our dedicated taskforce is undertaking all possible measures to minimise discolouration and address the underlying issues across the city. 

"We continue to advise customers not to drink discoloured water and to contact us directly with any reports of discolouration to help us manage the response in real time and to prioritise reactive works. Callbacks to customers who have previously raised concerns over discoloured water are ongoing.” 

Uisce Éireann is undertaking extensive sampling to protect public health, including testing at customers’ taps, on the network and operational sampling at the Lee Road water treatment plant. 

This provides reassurance that the water is compliant once running clear and assists with investigations into discolouration reports. 

Uisce Éireann has reiterated its appeal for people to report instances of discolouration so that all reports can be properly investigated.

Mr Goulding said: “Our proactive flushing programme targets the areas impacted the most by discolouration. It is successful in mitigating the impacts in the short-term, by removing large quantities of sediment that have become lodged in the ageing cast iron mains. 

"Uisce Éireann are seeing a positive trend in areas that have been flushed, based on discolouration report numbers and proactive callbacks to customers. We will continue to prioritise areas based on the numbers of reports of discolouration received.”