Boil Water Notice lifted for Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply

Uisce Éireann has progressed a number of short and medium- term plans to address issues with the Whitegate Regional Water Supply where a Boil Water Notice (BWN) is currently in place.

Crews from Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council have been on site carrying out operational works to rectify the issues at the treatment since the notice was issued on 25 December 2021. 

Uisce Éireann now hopes to liaise with the HSE over the coming weeks with a view to begin sampling the water supply with a view to lifting the BWN. Only when it is safe to do so will the Boil Water Notice be lifted. However, there is also a strong possibility that further Boil Water Notices may be imposed on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply in the coming months if the raw water source is adversely affected by weather conditions.

The utility has also confirmed that it is pursuing a permanent solution to address the issues in the long term. This involves a major upgrade of the water treatment plant that will ensure a safe, reliable drinking water to customers on the Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply. 

A detailed scoping of the new treatment plant has been completed and a contractor has recently been appointed, under our Early Contractor Involvement Framework, to undertake the design and construction. The proposed works will include a new coagulation, flocculation and clarification system, a new filtration system and a new disinfection system. 

Significant upgrades will be made to other aspects of the Kilva Water Treatment Plant site. Due to the nature of the project, land acquisition, planning approvals and other legal consents may be required, and the timelines indicated are reflective of this. The design process has commenced and is due to be completed by the end of 2022. Following that, the project will enter the Detailed Design phase. Uisce Éireann are targeting early 2023 for the submission of a planning application to Cork County Council, if required. 

Subject to the planning process, it is anticipated that construction would commence on site in 2024. However, as with all projects where some level of land acquisition, planning etc. are involved timelines can be difficult to predict. Further updates will be made available as the project progresses.

Uisce Éireann's Operational Lead, Pat Britton said: "We are delighted to be progressing with the long-term plans for Whitegate. This significant investment in the water infrastructure is necessary to bring an end to the frequent Boil Water Notices that the communities in East Cork have experienced over the last number of years. We look forward to working with our colleagues in Cork County Council and the local community on delivering this vital project in the years to come.

"For now, the Boil Water Notice will remain in place until further notice to protect our consumers. Over the coming weeks, we will hopefully begin sampling the water supply in conjunction with the HSE. We completely understand the community's frustration and can ensure everyone that we are working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the treatment plant. There is also a possibility that further Boil Water Notices may be imposed on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply in the coming months if the raw water source is adversely affected by weather conditions. We again apologise for the inconvenience this has caused." 

Uisce Éireann understands the disruption this issue is causing and thanks customers for their patience while we worked to restore normal supply to all impacted customers. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Éireann is progressing with a number of short- and medium- term plans to address issues with the Whitegate Regional Water Supply where a Boil Water Notice is currently in place.

Crews from Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council are on site carrying out operational works to rectify the issues at the treatment plant with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice which is currently in place as quickly and as safely as possible. 

This may take a number of weeks and in the meantime the Boil Water Notice remain in place until further notice.

In parallel with this, the utility has confirmed that it is pursuing a permanent solution to address the issues in the long term. This involves a major upgrade of the water treatment plant that will ensure a safe, reliable drinking water to customers on the Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply. 

A detailed scoping of the new treatment plant has been completed and a contractor has recently been appointed, under our Early Contractor Involvement Framework, to undertake the design and construction. The proposed works will include a new coagulation, flocculation and clarification system, a new filtration system and a new disinfection system. 

Significant upgrades will be made to other aspects of the Kilva Water Treatment Plant site. Due to the nature of the project, land acquisition, planning approvals and other legal consents may be required, and the timelines indicated are reflective of this. The design process has commenced and is due to be completed by the end of 2022. Following that, the project will enter the Detailed Design phase.  Uisce Éireann are targeting early 2023 for the submission of a planning application to Cork County Council, if required. 

Subject to the planning process, it is anticipated that construction would commence on site in 2024. However, as with all projects where some level of land acquisition, planning etc. are involved timelines can be difficult to predict. Further updates will be made available as the project progresses.

Uisce Éireann's Operational Lead, Pat Britton said: "We are delighted to be progressing with the long-term plans for Whitegate. This significant investment in the water infrastructure is necessary to bring an end to the frequent Boil Water Notices that the communities in East Cork have experienced over the last number of years. We look forward to working with our colleagues in Cork County Council and the local community on delivering this vital project in the years to come.

"For now, the Boil Water Notice will remain in place until further notice to protect our consumers. We completely understand the community's frustration and can ensure everyone that we are working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the treatment plant. There is also a possibility that further Boil Water Notices may be imposed on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply in the coming months if the raw water source is adversely affected by weather conditions. We again apologise for the inconvenience this has caused." 

Uisce Éireann understands the disruption this issue is causing and thanks customers for their patience while we worked to restore normal supply to all impacted customers. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council would like to remind customers supplied by Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued on 25 December remains in place until further notice.

The notice affects approximately 9,500 people supplied by the Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply in Whitegate, Aghada, Churchtown, Ballycotton, Saleen, Shanagarry, Ballinacura and areas of Cloyne.

If any customer is unsure on whether or not the Boil Water Notice applies to their area, please visit our website or alternatively, customers can contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.

The Boil Water Notice remains in place as a precautionary measure following issues with the treatment process at the Water Treatment Plant due to heavy rainfall. As a result, this may have compromised the disinfection process which makes the water safe to drink.

Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council continue to work to rectify the issues at Whitegate Water Treatment Plant with a view to lifting the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil their water before use until further notice.

Uisce Éireann's Pat Britton said: "Public health is Uisce Éireann's number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice is having on the community in East Cork. However, the restriction has been put in place as a precaution in order to protect our consumers.

"As part of our 25 Year strategy under the National Water Resources Plan, we have identified that the preferred approach for the Whitegate supply includes the construction of a new water treatment plant to adequately treat the raw water. Due to the nature of the project, land acquisition, planning approvals and other legal consents may be required. 

"We have completed a detailed scoping of the treatment plant and we are currently assessing the best possible option on how to progress with works. Timelines for the completion of the project will be clearer shortly, however, all projects where some level of land acquisition, planning etc. are involved can be difficult to predict.

"Unfortunately, since the Boil Water Notice was put in place, we have been unable to obtain satisfactory levels that would allow us to move towards meeting the lifting criteria.'

"We in Uisce Éireann completely understand the communities frustration and can ensure everyone that we working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the plant, both in the short and long term, and to lift the boil water notice as early as it is safe to do so. However, until a long-term solution has been implemented, there is a possibility that further Boil Water Notices may be imposed on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply in the coming months if the raw water source is adversely affected by weather conditions. We again apologise for the inconvenience this has caused."

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.

Vulnerable 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;
• 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.

Uisce Éireann is working closely with Cork County Council to lift the notice as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates will be available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Further information is available on the Boil Water Notice section of our website.

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.

Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council would like to remind customers supplied by Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued on 25 December remains in place until further notice.

The notice affects approximately 9,500 people supplied by the Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply in Whitegate, Aghada, Churchtown, Ballycotton, Saleen, Shanagarry, Ballinacura and areas of Cloyne.

If any customer is unsure on whether or not the Boil Water Notice applies to their area, please visit www.water.ie or alternatively, customers can contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.

The Boil Water Notice remains in place as a precautionary measure following issues with the treatment process at the Water Treatment Plant due to heavy rainfall. As a result, this may have compromised the disinfection process which makes the water safe to drink.

Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council continue to work to rectify the issues at Whitegate Water Treatment Plant with a view to lifting the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil their water before use until further notice.

Uisce Éireann's Pat Britton said: "Public health is Uisce Éireann's number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice is having on the community in East Cork. However, the restriction has been put in place as a precaution in order to protect our consumers.

"As part of our 25 Year strategy under the National Water Resources Plan, we have identified that the preferred approach for the Whitegate supply includes the construction of a new water treatment plant to adequately treat the raw water. Due to the nature of the project, land acquisition, planning approvals and other legal consents may be required. We are currently completing the detailed scoping of the project which should be finished within the next month. Timelines for the completion of the project will be clearer then, however, all projects where some level of land acquisition, planning etc. are involved can be difficult to predict.

"We in Uisce Éireann completely understand the communities frustration and can ensure everyone that we working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the plant, both in the short and long term, and to lift the boil water notice as early as it is safe to do so. Sampling, in consultation with the HSE, has begun and we will aim to lift the notice as soon as it is safe to do so. However, until a long term solution has been implemented, there is a possibility that further Boil Water Notices may be imposed on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply in the coming months if the raw water source is adversely affected by weather conditions. We again apologise for the inconvenience this has caused."

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.

Vulnerable 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;
• 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.

Uisce Éireann is working closely with Cork County Council to lift the notice as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates will be available on our Supply and Service Updates section on water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Further information is available on the Boil Water Notice section of our website.

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.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council are issuing a Boil Water Notice with immediate effect to protect the health of consumers supplied by the Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply.

The notice affects approximately 9,500 people supplied by the Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply in Whitegate, Whitegate Refinery, Aghada, Churchtown, Ballycotton, Saleen, Shanagarry, Ballinacura and areas of Cloyne. A map of the area is also attached.

If any customer is unsure on whether or not the Boil Water Notice applies to their area, please visit www.water.ie or alternatively, customers can contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.

The Boil Water Notice has been put in place as a precautionary measure following issues with the treatment process at the Water Treatment Plant and depleted storage levels due to heavy rainfall over the past few days. As a result, this may have compromised the disinfection process which makes the water safe to drink.

Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council continue to work to rectify the issues at Whitegate Water Treatment Plant with a view to lifting the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil their water before use until further notice.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice.

Uisce Éireann's Oliver Harney said: "Public health is Uisce Éireann's number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice will have on the community in East Cork during Christmas. However, the restriction has been put in place as a precaution in order to protect our consumers. Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council are working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the plant and to lift the boil water notice as early as it safe to do so."

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.

Vulnerable 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;
• 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.

Uisce Éireann is working closely with Cork County Council to lift the notice as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Further information in relation to the Boil Water Notice is available from https://www.water.ie/water-supply/water-quality/boil-water-notice/

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.