Do Not Consume notice remains in place for Cootehill
Alternative supplies are in place.
A Do Not Consume notice put in place for Cootehill over a week ago remains in place.
Irish Water issued the message to local householders and businesses due to elevated levels of manganese detected at the Cootehill Water Treatment Plant.
Environmental and mechanical issues were blamed in the message which was issued on July 4.
People served by the Cootehill Public Water Scheme are being told they cannot consume their water.
Irish Water says boiling water will not make it suitable for consumption.
Water tankers will be provided at the Darley National School and White Horse Hotel for local people. Irish Water says this water must be boiled before being used for drinking or for food preparation.
ADVICE FROM IRISH WATER:
1: Please use an alternative safe source of drinking water (e.g. Bottled Water) for the following:
• Drinking
• Preparing Drinks made with water
• Cooking of Food.
• Food Preparation including washing and preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
• Brushing of teeth and/or gargling
• Making of ice. However, ensure you first discard all existing ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges
2: You can continue to use your internal water supply for the following:
• Flushing of toilets
• Personal Hygiene (showering/bathing)
• Laundry and washing utensils
3: Caution:
• Domestic water filters will not render your water safe to drink
• Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from an alternative safe source of water (e.g. Bottled Water)
• If you have pets and are concerned about the impact of providing mains water while this restriction is in place, you should ask your local vet for advice
4: Only use an alternative safe source of drinking water (e.g. Bottled Water) for the following situations.
• When preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing and preparing salads)
• Preparing Infant Formula. Where a Do Not Consume Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from bottled water. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural
Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.
5: Always Take Care:
If you are boiling bottled water to prepare infant formula, care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds. Accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
6: How long before the Do Not Consume Notice can be lifted?
We do not know at present, but Irish Water and Cavan County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive (HSE) with a view to lifting the restriction as soon as practicable.
7: How will we keep you informed?
You will be kept informed through the following media: Website: www.water.ie ; www.cavancoco.ie
Irish Water Customer Contact Centre: 1800 278 278 Local Media –Radio and Press
(IW registered vulnerable customers will be directly contacted)
8: Awareness for commercial premises
Irish water request that this Restriction is placed in a prominent position within your commercial premises
Remember – Do not use your tap water for drinking or food preparation until further notice