Emergency repair works continue in Knockmore

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Mayo County Council, wishes to advise customers in Knockmore Village and surrounding areas that their water supply has been impacted as a result of a significant leak to a water main in the area.

A significant burst to the rising main feeding Knockmore reservoir was successfully fixed yesterday evening. However, water levels within the reservoir have not been fully replenished due to a significant unidentified leak on the Knockmore distribution mains. Leak detection crews are on site continuing to search for this leak in the Knockmore area this morning, which is proving difficult.

In the meantime, alternative water supplies will be made available locally.

Ger Greally, Asset Operations Lead for Uisce Éireann said: "Although the burst feeding Knockmore reservoir was successfully fixed yesterday evening, the reservoir did not refill overnight as anticipated. A below ground leak is now affecting supply impeding the resumption of normal water supply in the area. Local crews are on the ground since early morning, working hard to locate the leak as quickly and safely as possible. As a result, it is anticipated that some customers will be without water today. Once the leak is identified and repaired it will take some time for the reservoir to refill following the significant burst yesterday and leak today. We expect most customers to see their water supply returned by 10pm tonight but with reduced pressure to facilitate the refilling of the reservoir."

"It may take up until midday tomorrow for houses in elevated areas to receive a full supply. There may be reduced pressure in the areas affected throughout tomorrow while the scheme recovers fully. Areas affected include Cloghans, Rathbaun, Tonybaun, Corraveggaun, Ballynahagish, Corroy, Cloonturk and outlying areas of Ballina on the Knockmore Road."

Ger continued, "An alternative drinking water supply is available outside Knockmore GAA club. Anyone taking water from the tanker is advised to bring their own containers and to boil the water before use as a precaution. Customers are also asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines when at the tanker."

 "Uisce Éireann understands the inconvenience to customers when their water supply is affected, and we would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while this unplanned outage is attended to."

Vulnerable customers who have concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278. Updates will also be available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website and on Twitter @IWCare.

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.