Uisce Éireann has issued a Boil Water Notice for customers supplied by the Ballymacarbry Public Water Supply.  

According to Uisce Éireann, this to protect the health of approximately 672 customers following a deterioration in raw water quality caused by low water levels in the borehole and increased demand.

This has resulted in elevated turbidity levels at Ballymacarbry Upper Water Treatment Plant.

Customers impacted include those in Ballymacarbry, Castlereagh, Knockalisheen, Nire and surrounding areas.

Water Quality in the Ballymacarbry Area

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of water.ie and entering their Eircode or by calling Uisce Éireann’s customer care team, available 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working to address the turbidity issues affecting the supply and lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible, in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Uisce Éireann’s Maura Phelan said: “Public health is our number one priority and this notice has been put in place to protect customers.

“We recognise the inconvenience this will cause for customers, families, businesses and the wider community, and we apologise for that disruption.”

“Our drinking water experts are working to resolve the issue and restore normal drinking water quality standards as quickly and as safely as possible. We will continue to keep customers and local stakeholders informed as the situation progresses.”

Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled. 

Water must be boiled for:

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Preparation of salads and similar foods which are not cooked prior to eating
  • Brushing teeth
  • Making ice. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water. 

What actions should be taken:

  • Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked.
  • Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing toilets, but not for brushing teeth or gargling.
  • Boil water by bringing it to a vigorous rolling boil and allow it to cool before use.
  • Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure they do not swallow the water.
  • For infant formula preparation, please follow the guidance available on water.ie.