Based on the results of the monitoring carried out to date, Limerick County Council has said it is satisfied that the source of the water is not displaying elevated levels of lead with no known health risk attached to short term consumption. The HSE, meanwhile, has confirmed that testing has shown that drinking water supplies to all local schools are satisfactory, and schools have been notified accordingly.
While the water notice will remain in place and the monitoring of water supplies premises will continue, the local authority said it would be providing safe drinking water at three town centre locations from tomorrow (Thursday). The locations are Collinstown Terrace, Park View (across from the Monument) and the entrance to Chapel Street.
Commenting on the Council’s role in addressing the issue, Mr. Paul Crowe, Director of Transportation and Water Services, explained, “A monitoring programme has been ongoing and elevated levels of lead have again been detected in certain locations while other locations have been well below the limits specified in the Drinking Water Regulations. As a result, and following consultations with the HSE, the notice advising residents in the Main Street and Hospital Road areas not to drink the tap water is to remain in force.”
He continued, “The problem is site specific and relates primarily to older premises, and most likely linked to the presence of lead pipes either within householders’
Mr. Crowe said that the Council had begun implementing an action programme aimed at redressing the problem.
Among the programme objectives is the identification and monitoring of the water quality in premises, which may have lead connections while providing notification of monitoring results to individual property owners. Where it is confirmed that a property does not to have a lead connection or lead pipes and is not at risk, the property owner will be notified accordingly.
Elsewhere, replacement connections from the watermain to the stopcock are presently being provided for ten properties that have displayed elevated levels of lead in the water. Where it is identified in the course of this work that a lead connection is in place from the stopcock to the property, the property owner will be advised to have it replaced.
Limerick County Council is also initiating a programme to eliminate all lead connections to the watermains in Bruff, and advise householders who have lead pipework within their properties to replace same. Further details of this programme will be announced once it has been developed.
Meanwhile, Limerick County Council indicated that the tap water could safely be used for personal washing, showering and bathing including for brushing teeth. It is also safe for the preparation and cooking of vegetables and for the washing of clothes and dishes.
However, the Council is advising householders not to use the tap water for drinking, even if boiled; and not to make ice cubes, dilutable drinks, stews/soups or formula feeds for babies.
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.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
- For further information 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.
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
media@dunphypr.com
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)
