Killavullen boil water notice - over 800 people affected
A boil water notice was issued for Killavullen Public Water Supply on Monday, February 28, affecting approximately 810 people in the area. The notice came as a 'shock' to locals, many who only found out through word of mouth, writes Katie
Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Cork County Council, the boil water notice was issued with immediate effect to protect the health of consumers supplied by the local supply.
According to a statement issued by Irish Water at the time, the notice was put in place due to high levels of turbidity (relative measure of water clarity) in the borehole supply, causing Killavullen Water Treatment Plant to shut down.
“Irish Water and Cork County Council continue to work to rectify the issues at Killavullen Water Treatment Plant with a view to lifting the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil their water before use until further notice,” the statement read.
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Chairperson of Killavullen Community Council, Marion Regan said that news of the boil water notice for the locality came as a ‘shock’.
“We’ve all had to buy water, but the biggest thing was that it was such a shock. We only found out through word of mouth. We’re in a residents group and someone messaged about it there and other than that, we wouldn’t have known. We don’t even know what the issue is or when it was discovered,” Marion said.
According to Marion, the parish does not normally have issues regarding water supply.
“I don’t ever remember something like this happening. I don’t think we’ve ever had much of an issue with water,” she said.
Locally, it is hoped that the boil water notice will be lifted as soon as possible.
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Vulnerable customers who have registered with Irish Water will receive direct communication on notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.
Speaking on Monday, Irish Water’s Operations Lead, Niall O’Riordan said: “Public health is Irish Water’s number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice will have on the community in Killavullen. However, the restriction has been put in place to protect our consumers.
“Irish Water and Cork County Council are working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the plant and lift the boil water notice as early as it is safe to do so,” Mr O’Riordan added.
Under the notice, water must be boiled for drinking, drinks made with water, and for use with preparation of salads and similar foods that are not cooked prior to eating, brushing of teeth, and the making of ice.
In line with HSE Covid-19 advice and the requirement for frequent hand washing, Irish Water advises that the supply remains suitable for this purpose and boiling the water, in this instance, is not required.
Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland and state that they are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.