‘Do Not Drink and Do Not Wash’ restriction continues in Swanlinbar
Cavan County Council have confirmed that water restrictions imposed by the HSE for Swanlinbar have entered their fourth week. The ‘Do Not Drink and Do Not Wash’ warning came into places as a result of elevated chlorine levels detected in the local public water supply.
The HSE advised on the community continues this week. The confirmation of the remaining restriction comes as Deputy Brendan Smith received confirmation from Irish Water that they are investigating an alternative water supply source for Swanlinbar.
The Fianna Fáil TD said this is the latest difficulty with the quantity and quality of supply to the town and its catchment area: “An alternative water supply source should be prioritised for investment and the people in Swanlinbar and its catchment area need to have a reliable and up-to-standard public water supply.”
In correspondence with Deputy Smith Irish Water said a new treatment plant will ensure the supply is robust and able to supply water to all EU and Irish standards.
Confirming the continuation of the ban an irish Water statement said: “Irish Water is committed to providing a safe, secure water supply for the customers on the Swanlinbar public water supply. We would like to advise customers on this supply that we are continuing to work with Cavan County Council to implement operational measures which will enable the Do Not Drink and Do Not Wash drinking water restriction that was issued on the Swanlinbar public water supply in Co Cavan on the advice of the HSE, to be lifted as soon as possible.”
Commenting, Peter Gallagher, Irish Water said: “Irish Water and Cavan County Council are aware of the inconvenience this notice is causing for customers on this scheme. We would like to apologise to these customers and thank them for their patience and assure them that both organisations are working hard to have this notice lifted as quickly as possible. We will continue to liaise with the HSE until the situation is rectified, we will issue a further update later this week.”
This drinking water restriction was issued due to increased chlorine levels in the water supply and customers are advised that it remains in place. The issue was detected following sampling which showed elevated chlorine levels in the supply.
The alternative water supply continues to be available for customers at the car park to the rear of O’Reilly’s filling station in Swanlinbar and customers are advised to boil the water from these tankers before consumption as a precautionary measure.