Water woes continue for Batterstown residents

More than 90 homes in the Batterstown area are still unable to consume water from their taps, some six weeks after Irish Water placed a 'Do not Consume Notice' on their water supply.

The notice was issued on 16th September as a result of a Bromate exceedance in the water supply and affects homes supplied by the Batterstown Public Water Scheme.

Today Irish Water is reminding people that the do not consume notice remains in place until further notice. According to Irish Water, approximately 96 of their customers are affected.

People in this area are reminded that the water is not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods, but is safe for hygiene and use in washing machines and dishwashers. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle-fed infants.

Householders are being reminded that this is not a Boil Water Notice and that boiling the water will not reduce Bromate levels and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume.

Irish Water says that impacted customers have been directly notified and an alternative water supply is being provided to all customers on an on-going basis and bottled water is being delivered to vulnerable customers who are registered on this supply, in adherence with current HSE advice.

Michael Cunniffe, Irish Water, said: “Irish Water and Meath County Council understand the inconvenience caused as a result of this Do Not Consume Notice and apologise to all customers affected. Public health is our number one priority and it is important that people adhere to this Do Not Consume Notice. We will continue to work closely with Meath County Council with a view to lifting the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. Irish Water’s priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water and safeguarding water supply for the future, is a vital focus.”