Network problem led to 'boil' notice

DISRUPTION to Ballivor's water supply, which caused a disturbance in the water main network leading to low chlorine levels, is believed to be reason why routine testing of the village's water supply showed a suspected contamination.

Ballivor residents were hit with a second 'boil notice' in a year after samples taken by the HSE showed a possible contamination at the water treatment plant. A 'boil notice' was issued on 17th August, where residents were advised to boil water before using for drinking, cooking, cleaning or bathing. This was rescinded for Ballivor residents on 21st August but remained for Cloneycavan residents until last Friday, 24th August.

Meath County Council's director of communications Bill Sweeney said: "The HSE has confirmed that samples taken from the Ballivor public water supply are in compliance with European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2007. Meath County Council is of the opinion this suspected contamination may have resulted from disturbance in the water main network as a result of disruptions to the supply which resulted in localised low chlorine levels."

The water plant in Ballivor is inadequate to serve the growing community and there have been ongoing problems with water quality over the past number of years. Water is continually being transported in tankers from Trim to Ballivor to augment supplies because of difficulties with the supply to the treatment plant. This led to disruption to the supply, which is believed to have caused the low chlorine levels.

These low chlorine levels suggested that there could be contamination and the council issued a 'boil notice' as a precaution on the advice of the HSE.

Remedial works carried out by the council included the restoration of the supply from the treatment works and increased chlorine dosing. Scouring of the water mains was also carried out to improve water turnover.

Meath County Council said it would continue to monitor Ballivor's water supply in conjunction with the HSE.

Many local residents in Ballivor say they will not drink the water that comes from their taps and instead buy bottled water. The mains water frequently has a brown hue and often has an unpleasant odour, especially after heavy rain.

Ballivor's water plant needs a major upgrade and has been included in Meath County Council's Water Needs Assessment for 2007, which is sent to the Department of the Environment which then decides on which projects to fund. However, it could be a number of years before this scheme gets the go-ahead from the Department.

As an interim measure, one of the suggestions put forward has been to extend Trim's water network, which ends at Boardsmill, as far as Ballivor, but it is understood this was found not to be a practical solution.