07 Nov 2019 | 03:42 PM UTC
Ireland: Boil water notice issued in greater Dublin area on November 4
Authorities issue an indefinite boil water notice affecting 600,000 people in the greater Dublin area on November 4; stock up on bottled water and boil water beforehand
Event
On Monday, November 4, the Irish Water company issued an indefinite boil water notice, potentially affecting 600,000 people in the greater Dublin area, due to health concerns. Several contaminants deemed hazardous were identified in water supplies. The notice affects Leixlip Water Treatment Plant customers, notably in parts of Fingal, the Dublin City Council, the South Dublin County Council regions, Kildare, and in Dunboyne (Meath).
Context
A boil water notice is a formal notice issued to all properties in an affected area advising that drinking water from the public mains is not safe unless it is boiled and cooled beforehand. Due to heavy rain in greater Dublin, the source water going into the plant was cloudy due to suspended particles. The Leixlip plant was not equipped to cope with said particles.
Advice
Individuals in the Dublin region are advised to boil water before drinking it, stock up on bottled water if possible, keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. water rationing measures).
