Residents in Borris in Carlow are being told to boil their water before drinking it.
Locals had been asked last night not to drink water from the public supply but that warning has now been lifted and replaced with a precautionary ‘Boil Water Notice’.
That’s because there has been an improvement in the supply.
Irish Water and Carlow county council have issued the following advice:
1: Water must be boiled (rolling boil for 1 minute and then cooled) for:
Drinking
Preparing Drinks made with water
Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
Brushing of teeth and/or gargling
Making of ice. However, ensure you first discard all existing ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges
IMPORTANT: Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap of kitchen or bathroom sinks is not safe to drink.
2: You do not have to boil your water for the following:
Personal hygiene, baths and showers
Flushing of toilets
Watering plants and flowers
3: Caution:
Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water
If you have pets and are concerned about the impact of providing mains water while this BWN is in place, you should ask your local vet for advice
4: Only use Prepared Water (boiled and cooled) for the following situations.
When preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing and preparing salads)
Preparing Infant Formula. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way.
5: Always Take Care:
Care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds. Accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
6: How long before the boil water notice can be lifted?
We do not know at present, but Irish Water will continue to liaise and consult with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice as soon as practicable
7: How will we keep you informed?
You will be kept informed through the following media:
