WATER SUPPLY in the Ennistymon area has been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ‘at risk’ list.
A €7.5 million investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the Ballymacravan Water Treatment Plant (WTP) providing enhanced treatment facilities has ensured a safe and reliable water supply for local homes and businesses. This investment has resulted in the supply being removed from the ‘at risk’ list.
Deirdre O’Loughlin, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Manager at Uisce Éireann said their efforts have resulted in the removal of the supply from the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL). “At Uisce Éireann we are fully committed to identifying and addressing risks to drinking water quality. Our key focus remains the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean and secure water supplies for local communities. This critical upgrade at Ballymacravan ensures ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduces the risk of future water quality issues”.
This project involved an upgrade of the water treatment plant which includes new clarification and filtration systems, upgrades to the residual treatment, and a full electrical upgrade.
John Hickey, Infrastructure Delivery Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann said, “It has been a great privilege to deliver this critical project for over 6,000 people in Ennistymon. With the works now complete this project ensures the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to homes and businesses in the local community”.
The Remedial Action List identifies drinking water supplies that are at risk of failing to consistently supply safe, clean drinking water. The presence of a supply on the Remedial Action List does not mean the water is unsafe to drink. Over 99.7% of supplies remain safe to drink and do not present any risk to health. This list identifies supplies that the EPA deem as being ‘at risk’ and must be improved to ensure that water supplies continue to be safe to drink and are also secure in the future. Where drinking water quality deficiencies are found due to Uisce Éireann’s improved testing and sampling regime, a Boil Water Notice or Do Not Consume notice may be issued to protect public health.
Former councillor, Liam Grant (GP) who in his final motion before the West Clare Municipal District called for ‘a school tour’ of all water treatment plants by elected representatives welcomed the completion of works. “I’d be hopeful that Uisce Éireann will give the local representatives a tour of the motion which was my very last motion so that councillors can see what is going on and that we’re not leading to any more catastrophic environmental disasters. We have upgraded here and Liscannor so we need to see what was done but we also need to see the bad plants. I’m hopeful that now this is complete the Council will organise the school tour of the Uisce Éireann facilities”.
