Kilkenny community still subject to boil water after a month

A boil water notice is still in place in parts of Paulstown - more than a month after Irish Water issued the alert.

The boil water directive is for all homes and businesses serviced by the Paulstown Choill Rua water supply and was issued on December 17. It is still in effect.

According to Irish Water the notice was  introduced because of the detection of Cryptosporidium in the drinking water.

It is estimated that more than 200 people are serviced by the Paulstown Choill Rua supply. See the map below. Scroll down for  instructions on how to treat your tap water if you are on this supply.

As a result of detection of Cryptosporidium in the drinking water served by Paulstown Choill Rua, Irish Water and Kilkenny County Council consulted with the HSE. The boil water notice was then issued to protect the health of the affected consumers.

Advice from Irish Water
 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. 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.

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:
Website: www.water.ie
Irish Water Customer Contact Centre: 1890 278 278
Vulnerable customers who have registered their details with IW will be directly contacted