Ballyhaise boil water notice remains in place

A month after the boil water notice was issued on the Annagh Group Water Supply and the Ballyhaise Public Water Supply, it remains in place, with the authorities responsible saying they are trying to have it lifted as soon as possible.

The boil water notice was issued on October 14 due to the detection of coliform bacteria in the Annagh Group Water Supply which supplies the Ballyhaise Public Water Supply and is in place to protect the consumers on both supplies.
'Irish Water and Cavan County Council are continuing with their efforts to lift the boil water notice as soon as possible,' a spokesperson for the two organisations said. 'A programme of flushing, monitoring and sampling is continuing across the network.
'Annagh Group Water Scheme, Irish Water and Cavan County Council would like to reassure people supplied by the scheme that the resumption of normal service is a priority.
'Irish Water appreciates the inconvenience caused as a result of the boil water notice and wishes to apologise to all consumers affected.'

Irish Water and Cavan County Council provide the following advice.

Water must be boiled for:
- Drinking
- Drinks made with water
- Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
- Brushing of teeth
- Making of ice
- Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.

What actions should be taken:
- Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads).
- Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling.
- Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink.
- Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water.
- Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or 'Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.

Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Consumers can contact Irish Water on 1850 278 278 if they have any queries.