Boil water notices in Tipperary continue to affect almost 25,000 people
Uisce Éireann outlines why four Tipperary boil water notices remain in place
According to figures shared by Uisce Eireann to the Tipperary Star nearly 25,000 people are impacted across Tipperary due to the boil water notices in four affected areas.
In the breakdown of these figures, Uisce Éireann state that in the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply, 11,500 people are affected, the Newport Public Water Supply is affecting around 8,000 customers, the Cordangan Water Treatment Plant serving 5,000 customers in Tipperary Town and surrounding areas, and the Tullohea Public Water Supply, 480 customers remain impacted.
The boil water notice affecting approximately 11,000 customers supplied by the Glenary Water Treatment Plant in Clonmel was lifted on Monday, June 29, following remedial works and consistent satisfactory sampling results. The notice had been in place since June 23, after an issue impacted the disinfection process at the plant.
In a statement issued to the Tipperary Star, Uisce Éireann has outlined the specific issues affecting each plant as efforts continue to resolve the ongoing disruptions.
Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply – 11,500 affected
The largest number of people affected is in the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply, where approximately 11,500 people remain under a boil water notice issued on June 7.
Uisce Éireann said the notice was issued due to “a decline in raw water quality following heavy rainfall”. The utility explained that the source, which originates in the Knockmealdown Mountains, is “particularly vulnerable to changing weather conditions, which can disrupt treatment processes”.
It added that the plant is currently undergoing a significant upgrade, which “will provide a more robust and reliable water supply when complete”.
Newport Public Water Supply – 8,000 affected
Around 8,000 customers supplied by the Newport Public Water Supply remain under a boil water notice issued on May 20.
Uisce Éireann said it was introduced following “a deterioration in raw water quality following heavy rainfall”. Uisce Éireann stated that “continued weather-related impacts have affected the plant’s treatment consistency”.
Operational upgrades are under way to stabilise treatment and lift the notice “as soon as it is safe to do so”.
Cordangan Water Treatment Plant, Tipperary Town – 5,000 affected
5,000 people supplied by the Cordangan Water Treatment Plant remain under a boil water notice in place since early February.
Uisce Éireann said the notice was issued due to “high turbidity in the raw water, which has affected the treatment process”.
Uisce Éireann stated that while short-term measures have been introduced, changes in raw water quality continue to impact the plant’s ability to consistently meet drinking water standards.
The notice will remain in place until “a secure and reliable new raw water source is developed”, with works expected to be completed this autumn. Exploratory drilling is currently underway to identify a long-term source.
Tullohea Public Water Supply – 480 affected
A further 480 people supplied by the Tullohea Public Water Supply remain under a boil water notice issued on June 26.
Uisce Éireann said the notice was introduced following consultation with the HSE due to “a mechanical issue at the water treatment plant”.
Remedial works are ongoing, with drinking water specialists working “to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible”.
Supply restrictions
The Tipperary Star also asked Uisce Éireann for an update on the recent overnight water supply restrictions in Cashel, Rosegreen and Ironmills.
Water has been fully restored to customers in Cashel, Rosegreen and Ironmills following recent overnight supply restrictions that were in place each night from June 23 to 27, due to low treated water reservoir levels.
Uisce Éireann said the measures were necessary to allow treated water reservoirs to recover overnight in order to maintain daytime supplies for homes and businesses.