*Algae bloom on Lough Lickeen.
UISCE ÉIREANN have come under fire for their communication amid ongoing water issues in North Clare.
Issues relating to the taste, odour and cloudiness of the water has emerged in North Clare on the supply line from Ennistymon which is covering from Lahinch to Ballyvaughan, impacting on thousands of homes. Algae bloom has also become visible on Lickeen Lough.
Homes on the Ennistymon public water scheme have experienced the affects for over a week with reports first coming to light early last week.
In one instance, four members of one family ended up with diarrhoea, having initially thought they had a bug the family have since attributed the cause of the sickness to their water quality.
Criticism of Uisce Éireann’s communication on the manner has been voiced by elected representatives. Cllr Shane Talty (FF) told The Clare Echo, “Uisce Eireann have been far too slow to communicate to the public on this. We’ve been getting calls for a week and trying to get info from workers on the ground. People need to know if the water is safe to drink and a timeframe to clear the issue”.
Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) issued a formal complaint to Uisce Éireann on Monday morning. Speaking to The Clare Echo, he outlined, “I suppose we understand that issues can and do occur but the timing of it at highest tourism and holiday season in North Clare is really disappointing and has added to the stresses of an already challenging time in hospitality business”.
Lisdoonvarna based Garrihy continued, “From early last week right up to yesterday (Tuesday) I was making regular contact with Uisce Éireann’s elected representative information desk but I could not get a formal statement or status on the situation. This is in spite of multiple reports of smell, taste and discoloration in the water across North Clare. The contact line then closed over the weekend.
“I have made a formal complaint and believe this manner of communication or lack of it at a time when people have logged many concerns is not good enough and that a revised protocol for issuing reports and assurances to the public and their representatives should be put in place as soon as possible. We need to have full confidence in Uisce Éireann in charge of the vital service and a prompt, accessible and clear communication system to the public is a critical part of that trust and relationship,” he said.
Correspondence issued by Uisce Éireann on Tuesday detailed that they were aware of reports of “intermittent taste and odour issues” and that they were “treating this matter with the utmost priority. To date, all chemical and biological results are compliant with legislative requirements. Additional sampling programmes are continuing”.
“We are currently investigating the source of the intermittent taste and odour issues and continue to test the water to determine the root cause. Where Uisce Éireann becomes aware of any taste and odour issue, a monitoring programme for those compounds associated with taste and odour issues commences to ensure that there is no impact on public health. Protecting public health is a top priority for Uisce Éireann. Uisce Éireann advises customers not to drink discoloured water. In the event of discolouration, running the tap for several minutes will usually restore water to a clear colour. The water is safe to drink once running clear. If the issue remains unresolved, we encourage customers to contact us directly”.
