Bruff Drinking Water Notice To Remain In Place Over Weekend

PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 18, 2008 – Limerick County Council issued the notice last Monday, on the advice of the Health Services Executive (HSE), after low levels of lead were detected in some town centre premises.

However, the results of extensive monitoring carried out during the past week have been encouraging, according to the Water Services Authority.

Mr. Paul Crowe, Director of Services, stated, “At the marginally elevated levels of lead initially detected, there is no recognised health risk attached to short term consumption. The drinking water notice remains in place, however, as a precautionary measure.”

He continued, “Council staff, who will be carrying appropriate ID, will be conducting further tests on the water in Bruff early next week.  Limerick County Council is offering to test the water for any premises in the above affected area for traces of lead.  The turnaround time for samples will be seven to ten days.”

“In the meantime, however, we ask people in the affected area not to drink water from the main supply while they should also ensure that ice cubes in fridges and freezers are discarded.  We would also ask the public to inform the County Council of elderly or disabled residents, who may require special assistance”, added Mr. Crowe.

Mr. Crowe indicated that Limerick County Council would issue a further update next week.

The areas of the town affected by the notice are Main Street, from the Bake House to The Top Shop; and the Hospital Road, from Main Street to O’Leary’s Coalyard.  Two helplines, 061-496326 (9.30-4.30) and 061-419226 (after hours), have been set up to advise members of the public in the affected areas.

Limerick County Council is currently out to tender for a new watermain in Bruff.  The tender is being amended in the light of the most recent results to include for the replacement of any lead service pipes from the watermain to the stopcock (boundary box) at each affected premises in Main Street.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
-   Mr. Paul Crowe is available for interview.  To arrange please call Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com.
-   Further information on Limerick County Council is available from www.lcc.ie.