Boil Water Notice
The results of recent sampling on the Keash Group Water Scheme failed to meet the standard set by the Drinking Water Regulations 2023 as amended in relation to the microbiological parameters TVC and Coliforms and chlorine levels were also unsatisfactory.
In the interest of protecting public health Sligo County Council in conjunction with the Health Service Executive are advising that a Boil Water Notice be placed on Keash Group Water Scheme.
The specific advice to issue is as follows:
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
Please note
- 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 and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
- Some domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink (seek advice from supplier).
- Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.
- Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads, fruit and vegetables to be consumed uncooked).
- Prepare baby 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.
- Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water.
- Anyone suffering from diarrhoea (i.e. 3 or more loose bowel motions in a 24 hour period) for more than two days should contact their general practitioner and provide a stool sample for testing. They should continue to drink plenty of boiled or bottled water.
As a Water Supplier the Keash Group Water Scheme must ensure that the drinking water supply consistently reaches the standards expected by consumers and required by legislation.
All consumers on the Keash Group Water Scheme should be immediately notified that a Boil Water Notice is in place.
Sligo County Council will continue to work with the Keash Group Water Scheme on this matter and will update further with any developments. Please note that the Boil Water Notice will remain in place until you are otherwise notified.