BOIL WATER NOTICE ISSUED ONCE AGAIN IN KILLAVULLEN
Killavullen locals have again been impacted by the issuing of a boil water notice, issued by Irish Water and Cork County Council on bank holiday Monday.
The notice was issued with immediate effect to protect the health of consumers supplied by the Killavullen Public Water Supply.
According to one local impacted by the boil water notice who spoke with TheAvondhu, local reaction was one of annoyance.
“People are a little annoyed really, more than anything. It’s just a pain in the neck,” he said.
In late February, the same supply was hit by a boil water notice affecting some 810 people in the area and remained in place for 24 days before being lifted.
At the time, Irish Water stated that the notice was put in place due to the high levels of turbidity (relative measure of water clarity) in the borehole supply, causing the local treatment plant to shut down. Turbidity is caused by particles suspended or dissolved in water, making the water appear cloudy or murky.
The notice issued on Monday was put in place for the same reason, again affecting approximately 810 people.
Speaking following the issuing of the notice, one local resident stated that many have returned to buying bottled water after becoming aware of the notice through a group chat.
While it is unclear how local business has been affected by the second such notice in the space of four months, traders from Killavullen Farmers’ Market noted that they are mostly unaffected as it is understood that Nano Nagle Place operates from its own well.
BOIL BEFORE USE
Local councillor Frank O’Flynn said he sympathised with those affected locally, however, welcomed the news that Irish Water is working on the issue.
“I welcome the fact that Irish Water is on site. They’re dealing with an issue that is affecting over 800 people. As a local councillor, it is disappointing that this is the second time in a few short weeks that a boil water notice has been put in place. It’s affecting local farmers and businesses, as well as local people,” Cllr O’Flynn said.
Irish Water’s Operations Lead, Pat Britton 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 early as it is safe to do so,” Mr Britton added.
In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil their water before use until further notice.