Hundreds of homes hit by latest Boil Water notice

Notice issued for Crossdoney Group Water Scheme

Cavan County Council has issued a Boil Water Notice for users of the Crossdoney Group Water Scheme, following advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The notice was issued on Saturday evening, August 29, as a precautionary measure while investigations are carried out. Residents and other users connected to the scheme are now being advised to boil all water intended for drinking or food preparation until further notice.

Water must be boiled before use. Water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil for at least 10 minutes. It should then be allowed to cool, covered, and stored in a refrigerator or other cold place.

Boiled and cooled water must be used for:

Drinking and making drinks.

Preparing salads and other foods that will not be cooked before eating.

Brushing teeth.

Making ice.

Preparing infant feeds.

Domestic water filters will not make the water safe to drink, and water from the hot tap should not be consumed.

Residents should discard any ice cubes currently stored in fridges or freezers, as well as filtered water stored in refrigerators. New ice should be made only from boiled and cooled water.

What water can still be used for?

The water supply may continue to be used for:

Personal hygiene and bathing.

Flushing toilets.

However, it must not be used for brushing teeth or gargling.

Particular care should be taken when bathing young children to ensure they do not swallow the water.

Advice on preparing infant feeds

Tap water used to prepare infant formula should be brought to the boil once and then allowed to cool. Water should not be repeatedly re-boiled.

If bottled water is used to prepare infant feeds, it should also be boiled once and cooled. Parents and carers are advised to check the sodium content of bottled water, as some natural mineral waters may contain high levels of sodium.

The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. The label should be checked to ensure the sodium, or “Na”, concentration does not exceed this level. If it does, a different bottled water should be used where possible.

Who is most at risk?

People with impaired immune systems, young children and older people are considered most vulnerable and should take particular care to follow the advice.

Care should also be taken when handling boiled water, as it can cause serious burns and scalds. Extra caution is advised around children.

When will the notice be lifted?

There is currently no confirmed date for the lifting of the Boil Water Notice.

Cavan County Council said it will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive and will work to have the restriction lifted as soon as practicable, subject to the outcome of investigations and water-quality testing.

Residents will be kept informed through letter and email regarding the results of the investigation and the date on which the restriction is lifted.

Residents using the Crossdoney Group Water Scheme are reminded to continue boiling water as advised until further notice.