Boil Water Notice lifted for Longford Central Public Water Supply

Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council wish to notify customers on the Longford Central Public Water Supply that following the completion of extensive remedial works at Lough Forbes Treatment Plant and the receipt of consistent, satisfactory monitoring results, the boil water notice is now lifted with immediate effect. This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

All customers served by Longford Central Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

John Gavin, Asset Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, said: "The Boil Water Notice was put in place following deterioration in the raw water quality which compromised the cryptosporidium barrier at the treatment plant. We are delighted to confirm that following the successful completion of extensive remedial works at the treatment plant and working closely with our colleagues in Longford County Council, the Boil Water Notice impacting customers on Longford Central Public Water Supply can now be lifted. We would like to thank the people and the business community of Longford for their patience as we worked to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible."

In relation to the upgrade works at Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant, John added: "We are continuing to progress with upgrades to the treatment plant which will increase capacity, provide increased resilience, and safeguard the water supply in Longford for the future".

The Uisce Éireann Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to the lifting of this notice.

Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council acknowledge the patience, cooperation and assistance of the general public during the period of the boil water notice and regrets any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

Previous Updates

Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council would like to remind customers supplied by Longford Central Public Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued on 3 November 2021 in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE) remains in place. The Boil Water Notice was issued to protect the health of 17,500 customers following deterioration in the raw water quality which compromised the cryptosporidium barrier at the treatment plant. Areas affected include Longford Town; Newtown Forbes; Balinalee; part of Edgeworthstown; part of Drumlish; part of Killashee and surrounding areas. A map of the impacted area is attached and is also available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website. 

Uisce Éireann's primary focus is and always will be the protection of public health and it is essential that customers continue to boil and cool their water before consuming. As part of the process to lift the notice, Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council are progressing with repairs onsite, flushing of the network and sampling of water supplies. Uisce Éireann's environmental regulator, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carried out an audit of Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant in line with their risk based audit programme. Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council have identified further measures to improve filter operations at the plant and will continue to liaise with the EPA in relation to these improvement works. Uisce Éireann would like to reassure customers that our drinking water experts are working with our colleagues in Longford County Council and in consultation with the HSE to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly and as safely as possible. 

In line with HSE COVID-19 advice and the requirement for frequent hand washing, Uisce Éireann advises that the water remains suitable for this purpose and boiling the water is not required for handwashing.

John Gavin, Asset Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, has acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers, adding. "Public health is Uisce Éireann's number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect customers. We are working closely with Longford County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, in consultation with the HSE. 

In relation to the upgrade works at Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant, John added: "We are also progressing with upgrades to the treatment plant which will increase capacity, provide increased resilience, and safeguard the supply in Longford for the future". 
 
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled. Those who have concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.
 
Customers can check if they are impacted by this Boil Water Notice by visiting the Water Quality section of our website and entering their property's Eircode in the search bar. 
 
We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
 
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;
  • Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
  • 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 website including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers are advised to set their location on water.ie to view updates specific to their water supply. Further information on using water during a Boil Water Notice is available on the Boil Water Notice page.

Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council would like to remind customers supplied by Longford Central Public Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued on 3 November 2021 in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE) remains in place. The Boil Water Notice was issued to protect the health of 17,500 customers following deterioration in the raw water quality which compromised the cryptosporidium barrier at the treatment plant. Areas affected include Longford Town; Newtown Forbes; Balinalee; part of Edgeworthstown; part of Drumlish; part of Killashee and surrounding areas. A map of the impacted area is attached and is also available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Éireann's primary focus is and always will be the protection of public health. It is not possible to indicate how long the Boil Water Notice will last at present and all customers on this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice. As part of the process to lift the notice, Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council are progressing with repairs onsite, flushing of the network and sampling of water supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will complete an audit of the water treatment plant this week which Uisce Éireann will facilitate and support. Uisce Éireann would like to reassure customers that our drinking water experts are working with our colleagues in Longford County Council and in consultation with the HSE to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly and as safely as possible. 

In line with HSE COVID-19 advice and the requirement for frequent hand washing, Uisce Éireann advises that the water remains suitable for this purpose and boiling the water is not required for handwashing.

John Gavin, Asset Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, has acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers, adding. "Public health is Uisce Éireann's number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect customers. We are working closely with Longford County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, in consultation with the HSE. Works are currently underway at Lough Forbes plant to increase its capacity, provide increased resilience, and safeguard the supply for the future," he added.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled. Those who have concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.

Customers can check if they are impacted by this Boil Water Notice by visiting the Water Quality section of our website and entering their property's Eircode in the search bar. 
 
We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
 
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;
  • Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
  • 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 the Supply and Service Updates section of our website including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers are advised to set their location on our website to view updates specific to their water supply. Further information on using water during a Boil Water Notice is available on the Boil Water Notice page.

Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council would like to remind customers supplied by Longford Central Public Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued on 3 November 2021 in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE) remains in place. The Boil Water Notice was issued to protect the health of 17,500 customers following deterioration in the raw water quality which compromised the cryptosporidium barrier at the treatment plant. Areas affected include Longford Town; Newtown Forbes; Balinalee; part of Edgeworthstown; part of Drumlish; part of Killashee and surrounding areas. A map of the impacted area is attached and is also available on the Water Supply Updates section of water.ie. 

Uisce Éireann's primary focus is and always will be the protection of public health. It is not possible to indicate how long the Boil Water Notice will last at present and all customers on this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice. As part of the process to lift the notice, Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council are progressing with repairs onsite, flushing of the network and sampling of water supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be undertaking an audit of the water treatment plant next week which Uisce Éireann will facilitate and support. Uisce Éireann would like to reassure customers that our drinking water experts are working with our colleagues in Longford County Council and in consultation with the HSE to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly and as safely as possible. 

In line with HSE COVID-19 advice and the requirement for frequent hand washing, Uisce Éireann advises that the water remains suitable for this purpose and boiling the water is not required for handwashing.

John Gavin, Asset Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, has acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers, adding. "Public health is Uisce Éireann's number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect customers. We are working closely with Longford County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, in consultation with the HSE. Works are currently underway at Lough Forbes plant to increase its capacity, provide increased resilience, and safeguard the supply for the future," he added.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled. Those who have concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.

Customers can check if they are impacted by this Boil Water Notice by visiting the Water Quality section of our website and entering their property's Eircode in the search bar. 

We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

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;
  • Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
  •  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 the Supply and Service Updates section of our website including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers are advised to set their location on water.ie to view updates specific to their water supply. Further information on using water during a Boil Water Notice is available on our dedicated Boil Water Notice page.

Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council would like to remind customers supplied by Longford Central Public Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued on 3 November 2021 in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), remains in place. The Boil Water Notice was issued to protect the health of 17,500 customers following deterioration in the raw water quality which compromised the cryptosporidium barrier at the treatment plant. Areas affected include Longford Town; Newtown Forbes; Balinalee; part of Edgeworthstown; part of Drumlish; part of Killashee and surrounding areas. A map of the area is available on the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website. 

Uisce Éireann's primary focus is and always will be the protection of public health. As part of the process to lift the Boil Water Notice, Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council are progressing with repairs onsite, flushing of the network and sampling of water supplies. This will support an EPA audit of the water treatment plant next week. Uisce Éireann would like to reassure customers that our drinking water experts are working with our colleagues in Longford County Council and in consultation with the HSE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly and as safely as possible. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice. 

In line with HSE COVID-19 advice and the requirement for frequent hand washing, Uisce Éireann advises that the water remains suitable for this purpose and boiling the water is not required for handwashing.

John Gavin, Asset Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, has acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience on impacted customers, adding. "Public health is Uisce Éireann's number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect customers. We are working closely with Longford County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, in consultation with the HSE. Works are currently underway at Lough Forbes plant to increase its capacity, provide increased resilience, and safeguard the supply for the future," he added.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled. Those who have concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.

Customers can check if they are impacted by this Boil Water Notice by visiting the Water Quality section of our website and entering their property's Eircode in the search bar. 

We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

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;
  • Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated. 
  • 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 the Supply and Service Updates section of our website including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers are advised to set their location on our website to view updates specific to their water supply. Further information on using water during a Boil Water Notice is available on our dedicated Boil Water Notice page.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council have issued a Boil Water Notice for the area supplied by the Longford Central Public Water Supply to protect public health. This Boil Water Notice issued on 3 November 2021 remains in place until further notice. The population impacted by this notice is approximately 17,500 people. This notice was being issued because the cryptosporidium barrier at the treatment plant was compromised following a deterioration in the raw water quality of the lake source. The areas affected include all customers in Longford Town; Newtown Forbes; Balinalee; part of Edgeworthstown;  part of Drumlish; part of Killashee and surrounding areas. A map of the area is available to view on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Experts from Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council are working to resolve the issue with a view to having the notice lifted as quickly as possible. In the meantime, all customers of this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.

John Gavin, Asset Operations Lead, Uisce Éireann, has acknowledged the impact this notice will have on the community and apologised for the inconvenience to customers. "We are working closely with Longford County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers. We will monitor the supply over the coming week and will seek to lift the notice in consultation with the HSE as quickly as it is safe to do so. Works are underway at the Lough Forbes plant to increase its capacity, provide increased resilience, and safeguard the supply for the future," he added.

Vulnerable customers who have concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.

For customers who wish to check if their property is on the Boil Water Notice themselves, please go to the water quality section of water.ie, enter the property's Eircode, click 'more details' and you will then see if your property is on the Boil Water Notice.

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;
  • Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
  • Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Updates will be available on our website including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers are advised to set their location on water.ie to view updates specific to their water supply. Further information is available on the Boil Water Notice section of our website.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Uisce Éireann would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council have issued a Boil Water Notice for the area supplied by the Longford Central Public Water Supply to protect public health. The population impacted by this notice is approximately 17,500 people. This notice is being issued because the cryptosporidium barrier at the treatment plant was compromised following a deterioration in the raw water quality of the lake source. The areas affected include all customers in Longford Town, Newtown Forbes, Balinalee, part of Edgeworthstown, part of Drumlish, part of Killashee and surrounding areas.

View a map of the area affected.

Experts from Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council are assessing the situation with a view to having the notice lifted as quickly as possible. In the meantime, all customers of this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.

John Gavin, Asset Operations Lead, Uisce Éireann, has acknowledged the impact this notice will have on the community and apologised for the inconvenience to customers. "We are working closely with Longford County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers. We will monitor the supply over the coming week and will seek to lift the notice in consultation with the HSE as quickly as it is safe to do so. Works are underway at the Lough Forbes plant to increase its capacity, provide increased resilience, and safeguard the supply for the future." he added.

Vulnerable customers who have concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.

For customers who wish to check if their property is on the Boil Water Notice themselves, please go to the water quality section of water.ie, enter the property's Eircode, click 'more details' and you will then see if your property is on the Boil Water Notice.

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;
  • Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.

Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section on water.ie including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers are advised to set their location on water.ie to view updates specific to their water supply. Further information in relation to the boil water notice is available on our Boil Water Notice page.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Uisce Éireann would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

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