Works on-going to address water discolouration issues in Dundalk

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Louth County Council, is progressing a programme of watermains flushing to safeguard the water supply for customers in Dundalk and its environs. Following a large burst in Dundalk in June, manganese sediment became dislodged and carried through the network causing some customers to experience temporary discoloured water. These essential flushing works are required to clear any remaining manganese sediment from the distribution network and reduce the likelihood of future discolouration issues at the customer tap. These flushing activities are part of an overall action plan to address discolouration issues associated with high manganese levels found in the source water that feeds into Cavanhill water treatment plant. A programme of works at the Cavanhill water treatment plant has already been carried out including the installation of an interim Manganese treatment system to reduce manganese levels in the final treated water.

These essential maintenance works must be completed in phases. The second phase was completed today, Friday 24 September. The third phase will commence on Monday 27 September. While these essential works are ongoing, customers in the following locations will experience temporary discoloured water as sediment becomes dislodged and is removed by the flushing works between Monday 27 September and Friday 1 October; Edenagrena , Drumcah, Killaconner Tullagee, Ash Little, Carrickmullan, Killycroney, Toprass, Carrickrobin, Mullabohy, Knockcor, Carnroe, Dunbin Big, Thomastown, Kilcurly, Donaghmore, Littlemill Ballybarrack, Carreagh, Dunbin Big, Tates & Carrans Park, Newtown, Longwalk, Oliver Plunkett Park, Mac Swiney Street, O'Hanlon Park, Father Murray Park, Church Street, Phillip Street, Legion Avenue, Culhane Street, Newry Road, Armagh Road, Liosdubh , Coulter Estate, Lisdoo, Dowdallshill, Doylesfort Road, Racecourse Road, Ath Lethan, Faughart, Carnmore , Annies , Balriggan, Carnbeg, Carrickedmond, Stranacarry, Chapel Street, Broughton Street, Castle Road, St. Patrick Terrace, St. Brigids Terrace, New Street, Seatown, Mary Street North, Bachelors Walk, St. Marys Road, Yorke Street, Nicholas Street, Market Street, Wolfe Tone Terrace and Fairgreen Row.

Customers will be given advance notice of when the next phase of flushing works will commence.

Any customers seeing discoloured water coming from their cold kitchen tap are advised to run the tap for a few minutes to restore the clear colour. If the colour does not restore to clear, customers are advised not the drink the water as a precaution, and should contact Uisce Éireann using the contact details below.

It may take 2-3 hours for normal water supply to return to all customers when flushing is complete but it is important to continue to follow the HSE guidance on hand-washing.

Uisce Éireann is encouraging customers to conserve water while these essential works are underway. There are ways to conserve water that will not impact on hygiene or handwashing. Simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply such as not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and to postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible. There are lots more tips on how to conserve water in your home on the Water Conservation section of our website.

Donal Heaney, Uisce Éireann, said of the works, "Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council understands the inconvenience caused when flushing works occur and thanks customers for their patience while we complete these necessary works to remove any remaining sediment from the network and restore normal supply to impacted customers. Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council regret any inconvenience caused."

Customers with queries or concerns about the quality of their drinking water should contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or via Twitter @IWCare. The latest updates on these works will be available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Éireann is working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Louth County Council, is commencing a programme of watermains flushing to safeguard the water supply for customers in Dundalk and its environs. Following a large burst in Dundalk in June, manganese sediment became dislodged and carried through the network causing some customers to experience temporary discoloured water. These essential flushing works are required to clear any remaining manganese sediment from the distribution network and reduce the likelihood of future discolouration issues at the customer tap. These flushing activities are part of an overall action plan to address discolouration issues associated with high manganese levels found in the source water that feeds into Cavanhill water treatment plant. A programme of works at the Cavanhill water treatment plant has already been carried out including the installation of an interim Manganese treatment system to reduce manganese levels in the final treated water.

These essential maintenance works must be completed in phases. While these essential works are ongoing, customers in the following locations will experience temporary discoloured water as sediment becomes dislodged and is removed by the flushing works between Monday 20 September and Friday 24 September; Newry Road, Armagh Road, Doylesfort Road, Racecourse Road, Ath Lethan, Faughart, Carnmore , Annies, Balriggan, Carnbeg, Parnell Park, The Crescent, Parnell Park Hill, Longwalk, Oliver Plunkett Park, Mac Swiney Street, O'Hanlon Park, Father Murray Park, Church Street, Phillip Street, Legion Avenue, Culhane Street, Demense Road, Drumca Tullagee, Ash Little, Carrickmullan, Killycroney, Toprass, Carrickrobin, Mullabohy, Knockcor, Carnroe, Dunbin Big, Thomastown, Kilcurly, Donaghmore, Littlemill, Ballybarrack, Carreagh, Dunbin Big, Tates & Carrans Park, Newtown and Dunbin.

Customers will be given advance notice of when the next phase of flushing works will commence.

Any customers seeing discoloured water coming from their cold kitchen tap are advised to run the tap for a few minutes to restore the clear colour. If the colour does not restore to clear, customers are advised not the drink the water as a precaution, and should contact Uisce Éireann using the contact details below. There is further information on the Discoloured water section of our website.

It may take 2-3 hours for normal water supply to return to all customers when flushing is complete but it is important to continue to follow the HSE guidance on hand-washing.

Uisce Éireann is encouraging customers to conserve water while these essential works are underway. There are ways to conserve water that will not impact on hygiene or handwashing. Simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply such as not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and to postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible. There are lots more tips on how to conserve water in your home on the Conservation section of our website.

John Hand, Uisce Éireann, said of the works, "Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council understands the inconvenience caused when flushing works are underway and thanks customers for their patience while we complete these necessary works to remove any remaining sediment from the network and restore normal supply to impacted customers. Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council regret any inconvenience caused."

Customers with queries or concerns about the quality of their drinking water should contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or via Twitter @IWCare. The latest updates on these works will be available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Éireann is working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Louth County Council, is commencing a programme of watermains flushing to safeguard the water supply for customers in Dundalk and its environs. Following a large burst in Dundalk in June, manganese sediment became dislodged and carried through the network causing some customers to experience temporary discoloured water. These essential flushing works are required to clear any remaining manganese sediment from the distribution network and reduce the likelihood of future discolouration issues at the customer tap. These flushing activities are part of an overall action plan to address discolouration issues associated with high manganese levels found in the source water that feeds into Cavanhill water treatment plant. A programme of works at the Cavanhill water treatment plant has already been carried out including the installation of an interim Manganese treatment system to reduce manganese levels in the final treated water.

These essential maintenance works must be completed in phases. The second phase is progressing well and is expected to be completed by Friday 17 September. While these essential works are ongoing, customers in the following locations will experience temporary discoloured water as sediment becomes dislodged and is removed by the flushing works between Monday 13 September and Friday 17 September; Longwalk, Oliver Plunkett Park, Mac Swiney Street, O'Hanlon Park, Father Murray Park, Church Street, Phillip Street, Legion Avenue, Culhane Street, Headford, Mount Avenue, Castleblayney Road, Mill Road, Tateetra, Fatima, Chapel Street , Broughton Street, Castle Road, St. Patrick Terrace, St. Brigids Terrace, New Street, Seatown, Mary Street North, Bachelors Walk, St. Marys Road, Yorke Street, Nicholas Street, Market Street, Little Ash, Castlering, Stone Trough, Knockbridge,  Mullabohy, Thomastown, Littlemill, Carrickmacross Road,  Knockcor, Carnroe, Kilcurly, Dunbin Big.

Customers will be given advance notice of when the next phase of flushing works will commence.

Any customers seeing discoloured water coming from their cold kitchen tap are advised to run the tap for a few minutes to restore the clear colour. If the colour does not restore to clear, customers are advised not the drink the water as a precaution, and should contact Uisce Éireann using the contact details below.

It may take 2-3 hours for normal water supply to return to all customers when flushing is complete but it is important to continue to follow the HSE guidance on hand-washing.

Uisce Éireann is encouraging customers to conserve water while these essential works are underway. There are ways to conserve water that will not impact on hygiene or handwashing. Simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply such as not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and to postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible. There are lots more tips on how to conserve water in your home on the Water Conservation section of our website.

John Hand, Uisce Éireann, said of the works, "Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council understands the inconvenience caused when flushing works occur and thanks customers for their patience while we complete these necessary works to remove any remaining sediment from the network and restore normal supply to impacted customers. Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council regret any inconvenience caused."

Customers with queries or concerns about the quality of their drinking water should contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or via Twitter @IWCare. The latest updates on these works will be available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Éireann is working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Louth County Council, is commencing a programme of watermains flushing to safeguard the water supply for customers in Dundalk and its environs. Following a large burst in Dundalk in June, manganese sediment became dislodged and carried through the network causing some customers to experience temporary discoloured water. These essential flushing works are required to clear any remaining manganese sediment from the distribution network and reduce the likelihood of future discolouration issues at the customer tap. These flushing activities are part of an overall action plan to address discolouration issues associated with high manganese levels found in the source water that feeds into Cavanhill water treatment plant. A programme of works at the Cavanhill water treatment plant has already been carried out including the installation of an interim Manganese treatment system to reduce manganese levels in the final treated water.

These essential maintenance works must be completed in phases. The first phase will be completed today, Friday 3 September. The second phase will commence on Monday 6 September. While these essential works are ongoing, customers in the following locations will experience temporary discoloured water as sediment becomes dislodged and is removed by the flushing works between Monday 6 September and Friday 10 September; Bellews Bridge,  Coxs  Demense, Castletown Road, Boyle o Reilly Terrace , St Nicholas Avenue, Fatima,  Barleyfield Armagh Road, Kilcurry, Balriggan, Carnbeg, St. Aphonsus Road, Barrack Street, Quay Street, Belfry Gardens, Seatown Place, Meadow Grove, Green Acres, Oaklawns, Avenue Road, Cluan Enda, Blakely Close, Ecco Road , Mount, Avenue, Ard Easmuin, Beechmount Drive, Green Gates, Lurgangreen, Dromiskin and Castlebelligham.

Customers will be given advance notice of when the next phase of flushing works will commence.

Any customers seeing discoloured water coming from their cold kitchen tap are advised to run the tap for a few minutes to restore the clear colour. If the colour does not restore to clear, customers are advised not the drink the water as a precaution, and should contact Uisce Éireann using the contact details below.

It may take 2-3 hours for normal water supply to return to all customers when flushing is complete but it is important to continue to follow the HSE guidance on hand-washing.

Uisce Éireann is encouraging customers to conserve water while these essential works are underway. There are ways to conserve water that will not impact on hygiene or handwashing. Simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply such as not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and to postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible. There are lots more tips on how to conserve water in your home on the Water Conservation section of our website.

Donal Heaney, Uisce Éireann, said of the works, "Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council understands the inconvenience caused when flushing works occur and thanks customers for their patience while we complete these necessary works to remove any remaining sediment from the network and restore normal supply to impacted customers. Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council regret any inconvenience caused."

Customers with queries or concerns about the quality of their drinking water should contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or via Twitter @IWCare. The latest updates on these works will be available on the Supply and Service Updates section of our website.

Uisce Éireann is working at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Louth County Council, are continuing with works to restore normal water supply to some customers in Dundalk impacted by discoloured water. Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council investigated the matter and found a large burst on the network caused sediment to be dislodged and carried through the network to the customer tap. Following the successful completion of repairs some customers continued to experience discoloured water.

Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council undertook a programme of further investigations, which included monitoring at various locations throughout Dundalk town, and found that the build-up of sediment and the subsequent discolouration of water at customer taps was caused by the presence of manganese, a mineral which occurs naturally in the area. Manganese is found naturally in many surface water (lake and river water) and groundwater (underground water) sources, including the River Fane, which is the source water for the Cavanhill Water Treatment Plant.

In response to this issue, a programme of works is currently taking place at the Cavanhill water treatment plant to reduce manganese levels in the final treated water, and therefore reduce the likelihood of sediment build-up in the network. Following completion of the works at Cavanhill Water Treatment Plant, we intend to conduct a network flushing programme in Dundalk town and environs to clear the network of any remaining sediment. We will advise customers in advance of when we intend to commence this activity.

While we complete these essential works and further monitoring of the network, customers are advised that if their water is discoloured, to continue running the tap for a few minutes to restore the clear colour. If the colour does not restore to clear, customers are advised not the drink the water as a precaution, and should contact Uisce Éireann using the contact details below.

Uisce Éireann can confirm that the Manganese levels found during our investigations are not at a level that would pose a risk to health, however we are continuing with enhanced monitoring both at the plant and in the network to keep the situation under close review. In this regard we have been consulting with the Health Services Executive (HSE), who are the statutory authority in public health matters. If the situation changes, and a risk to public health arises, we will notify all affected customers immediately.

Uisce Éireann apologises for any inconvenience as a result of this issue.

For more information on issues in drinking water, customers can visit the Supply and Service Updates section of our website. Information on drinking water quality can be found in our drinking water quality section. The HSE have also produced an informative Frequently Asked Questions on Manganese in drinking water which can be found here (FAQ).

Customers with queries or concerns about the quality of their drinking water should contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or via 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 staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services. Uisce Éireann would like to remind customers to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice on handwashing.

Uisce Éireann is aware of a number of reported issues from customers in Dundalk regarding discoloured drinking water. Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council investigated the matter and found a large burst on the network caused sediment to be dislodged and carried through the network to the customer tap. Repairs were completed on Friday 11 June but some customers continue to experience discoloured water.

Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council undertook a programme of further investigations, which included monitoring at various locations throughout Dundalk town, and found that the build-up of sediment and the subsequent discolouration of water at customer taps was caused by the presence of manganese, a mineral which occurs naturally in the area. Manganese is found naturally in many surface water (lake and river water) and groundwater (underground water) sources, including the River Fane, which is the source water for the Cavanhill Water Treatment Plant. In response to this issue, a programme of works is currently taking place at the Cavanhill water treatment plant to reduce manganese levels in the final treated water, and therefore reduce the likelihood of sediment build-up in the network. Following completion of the works at Cavanhill Water Treatment Plant, we intend to conduct a network flushing programme in Dundalk town and environs to clear the network of any remaining sediment. We will advise customers in advance of when we intend to commence this activity.

While we complete these essential works and further monitoring of the network, customers are advised that if their water is discoloured, to continue running the tap for a few minutes to restore the clear colour. If the colour does not restore to clear, customers are advised not the drink the water as a precaution, and should contact Uisce Éireann using the contact details below.

Uisce Éireann can confirm that the Manganese levels found during our investigations are not at a level that would pose a risk to health, however we are continuing with enhanced monitoring both at the plant and in the network to keep the situation under close review. In this regard we have been consulting with the Health Services Executive (HSE), who are the statutory authority in public health matters. If the situation changes, and a risk to public health arises, we will notify all affected customers immediately.

Uisce Éireann apologises for any inconvenience as a result of this issue.

For more information on issues in drinking water, customers can visit our Water Supply section. Information on drinking water quality can be found in our drinking water quality section. The HSE have also produced an informative Frequently Asked Questions on Manganese in drinking water which can be found here (FAQ).

Customers with queries or concerns about the quality of their drinking water should contact the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or via 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 staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services. Uisce Éireann would like to remind customers to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice on handwashing.