Twenty weeks clear is not enough to lift Lough Talt boil water notice

The Lough Talt boil water notice has been extended until further notice while HSE continues to investigate illness in the community.

Despite a 20 week clear period, Irish Water says there has been detections of cryptosporidium in the water at the water treatment plant following routine compliance sampling.

“To date there have been 20 weeks of clear sampling on the scheme. However the HSE is investigating the cause of a number of cases of cryptosporidiosis in the water supply area during the period the boil notice has been in place.

The HSE has indicated that the criteria for lifting the notice is zero detections of cryptosporidium in the water at the treatment plant together with a coinciding period of no reported illnesses in the community in the absence of a validated crypto barrier at the treatment plant. The next consultation to review this boil water notice between Irish Water, Sligo County Council and the HSE is scheduled for mid-September.

In the meantime customers are urged to continue boiling water before consumption.

Anthony Skeffington, Regional Asset Operations Manager, Irish Water said: “We would also like to stress that this is not a do not use notice. Once boiled and cooled the water is perfectly safe to consume.

“Public health is our number one priority and it is imperative that people adhere to the boil water notice. Irish Water sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this Boil Water Notice has caused and we will continue to communicate with local stakeholders and elected representatives to keep the community updated.” Irish Water and the Council has apologised to all customers for any inconvenience caused.