Hard times for water users set to continue

WEXFORD residents who have had to contend with hard water destroying their showers and kettles, will get no reprieve for the foreseeable future as Irish Water has no plans to change the water supply.

Cllr George Lawlor expressed grave concern about the issue at last week’s meeting of Wexford Borough Council, saying he knows of one man who had to replace his shower 11 times after the water scheme was transferred to Fardystown.

Mark Collins of the water department said around

€1m has been spent on the Taylorstown and Kilmallock water treatment systems. Mr Collins said the works had a big impact on supplies to homes in the Wexford town and Kilmore areas. ‘We had to supply from the Mayglass side,’ he said, adding that many Wexford houses got hard instead of soft water.

‘It creates an issue when it’s heated as there is a high level of calcium. There’s no problem drinking it, but planned shut downs had to take place in July and August for extended periods.’

Mr Collins said most of the work on the plants has been completed. Mayor Cllr Jim Moore praised the water services staff on their work at the two plants. He said some companies were not aware that the disruptions would take place. ‘It had the potential of causing disruption to industries,’ he said. Cllr George Lawlor called for the Fardystown water supply to be shut down. He said thousands of houses are supplied by it. ‘It has a horrendous effect. Residents in Wexford have to replace kettles and electrical implements.’

Cllr Lawlor asked if a different supply could be sourced. Mr Collins said: ‘It’s a capital matter and an Irish Water issue.’

Senior engineer Gerry Forde water is being taken from the Sow River. ‘There is no other source of water. Irish Water can bring water from longer distances. We opened Mayglass in 2001 but didn’t get the softening unit we asked for.’

Cllr Deirdre Wadding asked if softening can be done at source. Mr Forde said: ‘If I was in Irish Water’s shoes my priority would be to get healthy water into every town in the country.’