the photos are from here : https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/index.html
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The news as published on Independent.
Nearly 7,000 Limerick people impacted by boil water notice that has been in place since May.
Nearly 7,000 Limerick residents have been impacted by a boil water notice since last May.
A boil water notice was issued back on May 13 2023 for all Limerick residents supplied by the Foynes/Shannon Estuary Public Water Supply.
Uisce Éireann explained that the notice was issued to protect the health of the public as the water served by Foynes/Shannon Estuary PWS has been described as potentially unsafe to drink due to the detection of cryptosporidium.
[Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Both the parasite and the disease are commonly known as “Crypto.”
There are many species of Cryptosporidium that infect animals, some of which also infect humans. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very tolerant to chlorine disinfection.
While this parasite can be spread in several different ways, water (drinking water and recreational water) is the most common way to spread the parasite. Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of waterborne disease among humans in the United States ].
The areas impacted are Askeaton, Foynes, Ballyhahill, Loghill, Ballysteen, Pallaskenry, Kildimo and Shanagolden and surrounding areas, for an estimated residential population of 6,986 people.
Uisce Éireann ensured that works to lift the boil water notice are being carried out but, after five months, the notice is still in place.
Uisce Éireann explained they are implementing remedial measures to existing processes and are also undertaking upgrades at the plant.
Uisce Éireann’s Duane O’Brien said: “We wish to assure customers that we are working to resolve the issues at the water treatment plant and we acknowledge the impact this is having on the community. We are progressing with plans to install an ultraviolet reactor at the Shannon Estuary Water Treatment Plant. This reactor will render any cryptosporidium in the water inactive. This is a large piece of equipment, bespoke to the site and it requires a significant amount of accommodation works in advance of its installation.
“Unfortunately, there is no short-term solution available to us, and it is likely to take some months before this equipment is operational at the plant. Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and I want to acknowledge the inconvenience that this Boil Water Notice is causing to the local community.”
While drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Limerick City and County Council are working to rectify the issues at the treatment plant, all customers on this supply are advised to continue to boil their water before use until further notice. 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 of teeth; making of 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 (e.g. washing salads); water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling. Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. 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.
18 October 2023 - the text below is from here.
Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, continues to progress works to lift the Boil Water Notice in place for customers supplied by Foynes/Shannon Estuary Public Water Supply.
The notice remains in place following the detection of cryptosporidium at the Shannon Estuary Water Treatment Plant. Uisce Éireann is implementing remedial measures to existing processes and is also undertaking upgrades at the plant.
Areas impacted are Askeaton, Foynes, Ballyhahill, Loghill, Ballysteen, Pallaskenry, Kildimo and Shanagolden and surrounding areas. Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the www.water.ie/supply and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. A map of the area is also available to view on the website.
While drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Limerick City and County Council are working to rectify the issues at the treatment plant, all customers on this supply are advised to continue to boil their water before use until further notice. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.
Uisce Éireann’s Duane O’Brien said, “We wish to assure customers that we are working to resolve the issues at the water treatment plant, and we acknowledge the impact this is having on the community. We are progressing with plans to install an ultraviolet reactor at the Shannon Estuary Water Treatment Plant. This reactor will render any cryptosporidium in the water inactive. This is a large piece of equipment, bespoke to the site and it requires a significant amount of accommodation works in advance of its installation. Unfortunately, there is no short-term solution available to us, and it is likely to take some months before this equipment is operational at the plant. Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and I want to acknowledge the inconvenience that this Boil Water Notice is causing to the local community.”
Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins. Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) are consulted, and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices.
Water must be boiled for:
- Drinking;
- Drinks made with water;
- Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
- Brushing of teeth;
- Making of 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 (e.g. washing salads);
- Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling;
- Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. 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;
- Preparing Infant Formula: Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. 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. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.
- Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
Updates are available on our Water Supply Updates section on water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
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