Works continue to improve water quality in Cork City

Uisce Éireann continues to work to improve water quality and supply for homes and businesses in Cork City with a further programme of flushing works set to get underway tomorrow. 

From tomorrow, Wednesday 29 November, network flushing will be undertaken for approximately two weeks and will work through Corrib Lawn, Boyne Crescent, Ballinderry Park, Annalee Grove, Gweendore Avenue, Glencree Crescent, Liffey Park, Shannon Lawn, Lagan Grove, Murmount Court, Murmount Grove, Avonmore Park, Glenamoy Lawn, Spring Vale and Old Youghal Road and surrounding areas. 

Flushing works initially result in increased discolouration locally as the water is used to remove sediment from the network at hydrants. The flushing time required for the water to run clear is dependent on the local network conditions. 

The flushing work that we have undertaken on the network is a key part of our action plan to address intermittent discolouration issues impacting a number of customers in Cork City. 

Water services engineers and drinking water compliance specialists continue to closely monitor reservoirs that supply the city and have made operational adjustments which have reduced instances of discolouration. 

We know from previous years that the changes in seasons and weather can be challenging in terms of managing water quality in Cork City. Sub-zero temperatures inevitably leads to more bursts, repairs and maintenance that will result in increased instances of discolouration in the network. 

Uisce Éireann thanks customers for their patience as we work to reduce instances of discolouration across Cork City, and regret any inconvenience caused. Ongoing testing and analysis of the water supply continues, in conjunction with extensive monitoring across the city's water network to ensure the water is compliant with drinking water regulations and is safe to drink. The results of these ongoing tests are shared with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In general, issues such as discolouration, bursts and leakage are unfortunately commonplace when dealing with an aged network such as Cork City's. There are approximately 600km of watermains in Cork City, 50% to 60% of which are made from cast iron and approximately 100 years old, dating back to the 1920s. Due to the age and deteriorating condition of the pipes, they are prone to bursts and leakage. In old cast iron mains, sediment can become dislodged during repair or upgrade works and can occasionally be carried through to customers' taps, leading to the water to appear brown or orange. 

In the short term, Uisce Éireann continues with works to proactively flush the network in targeted areas across Cork City where reports of discolouration have been received. Areas are prioritised based on customer feedback and reports received by our customer care team. This involves isolating small sections of the network and flushing them of any dislodged sediment. 

The Cork City Water Quality Working Group, with expert representatives and engineers from Uisce Éireann and Cork City Council, continue to meet regularly and monitor the situation.

Customers experiencing water quality issues are advised to contact the Uisce Éireann Customer Care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or via X (formerly Twitter) @IWCare, so the issue can be logged and investigated. Each complaint is actioned and gives us a better understanding of any ongoing issues. 

In the event of discolouration, running the tap for several minutes will usually restore water to a clear colour. Uisce Éireann continues to advise customers not to drink discoloured water. For more information and advice, please visit our Discoloured Water page. 

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit our website.