'Do Not Consume' water notice for consumers in Offaly rural area lifted

THE "Do Not Consume" water notice for the Killeigh area was lifted on Tuesday evening after analysis of the latest test results by the HSE.

Last Thursday customers in affected areas in the local water scheme were told that they could not use their water for drinking, bathing or food preparation.

On Saturday another notice was issued saying the affected customers could use the water for showering and bathing but were still advised not to consume it until further test results were released.

Water was made available to those affected at the GAA club in Killurin on Saturday and Sunday and people were asked to bring containers and to boil the water before use in case the containers were not clean.

Welcoming the lifting of the notice, Deputy Tony McCormack commended "the people of the area for their response. In the face of a very difficult few days, the community came together — farmers helped farmers, neighbours looked out for vulnerable neighbours — a real show of Offaly spirit.

"It was also a challenging time for the committee and staff of the water scheme. I’ve been in regular contact and saw first hand how seriously they took the situation. Protocols had to be followed strictly, and the HSE had to ensure that the water was 100% safe before lifting the notice.

As with any crisis, there will be learnings for all involved, and I know those lessons will be taken on board."

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The areas affected were Killeigh village, Killeenmore, Cloncon, Newtown, Scrub, Derrybeg, Derryclure, Loughclose, Ballinvalley, Hawkswood, Moneyquid, Kilcavan, Ballymacrossan, Fenter, Ballyaville, Raheenduff, Meelaghans and Ballylevin.

Deputy McCormack said the situation had nothing to do with funding.

"The Killeigh Water Scheme has a long-standing and consistent record of delivering high-quality water to the people of the area," he stressed.

He concluded: "Since the issue arose late last week, Cllr Ollie Bryant, Cllr Shane Murray and I have been working closely with the Killeigh Group Water Scheme, Offaly County Council, the HSE, and many local residents to get this resolved as quickly and safely as possible."

When news of the situation emerged last week Fianna Fail councillor, Shane Murray expressed "extreme concern" at the development and said he was waiting for further information from Offaly County Council.

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In the initial letter sent to customers on Thursday, the Board of Killeigh Group Water Scheme (GWS), said they wished to inform customers of a potential pollution incident.

The letter said the GWS were awaiting results of recent samples.

"As a precautionary measure, following consultation with the local authority, consumers are advised not to use their tap water supply, either for drinking or for food preparation until further notice. The source of the problem is not bacteriological in nature and, therefore, boiling your tap water is not sufficient in this instance until the GWS is notified otherwise," the letter states.

It added that water should not be used for drinking, drinks made with water, preparation of food, brushing of teeth and bathing etc and the making of ice.

Killeigh Group Water Scheme said they regretted the inconvenience caused and "we assure that we are doing everything in our power to rectify the current situation. We will inform you immediately when the ‘do not use notice’ is lifted. In due course, we will also inform you about the results of the investigation into the potential contamination."