Swanlinbar water supply restored after ammonia scare

The water supply in Swanlinbar has been fully restored following a recent incidence of excess levels of ammonia in the water supply.

West Cavan County Councillor, John Paul Feeley welcomed the confirmation that there was at no time any bacterial contamination.

'Residents in the Swanlinbar area have had their water supply disrupted considerably in recent weeks as a result of an accedence of ammonia in the water supply,' the Fianna fail member said.

He claimed that the supply had to be turned off fully and then restored with an order that it was not to be used for human consumption and the preparation of foods. Cllr Feeley had many complaints from residents.

Cavan County Council's own laboratory, and that of the HSE, confirmed that the supply was now fully in compliance with all standards. And the council have issued notice to all households confirming that the water was safe to drink.

It is understood that the council are now engaging in a detailed survey to determine the source of the contamination and to ensure that the problem does not arise again.

'There have been two incidents in recent months which led to disruption of the supply. The council staff is making every effort to ensure that this problem does not arise in the future. There is a detailed survey to locate the problem on-going. In tandem with this work the Water Services Department of the council are making plans to carry out necessary works to deal with future excess levels of ammonia if they arise,' according to Cllr. Feeley.

Cllr. Feeley said that senior council staff would arrange to meet with members of the local community to explain in detail the problems which arose and also set out the programme of work to be completed.