Boil Water Notice lifted for localised area in Kilcloghans, Tuam
Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section.
Uisce Éireann wish to notify customers that the Boil Water Notice on the localised area in Kilcloghans, Tuam has been lifted with immediate effect.
The notice has been lifted following the completion of water mains replacement works and satisfactory sampling results. This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The estimated 46 customers impacted by the localised Boil Water Notice can now resume normal use of the public water supply.
The BWN was issued in August 2023 to protect the health of customers upon detection of low chlorine residuals and elevated levels of iron and turbidity in the public water supply.
Uisce Eireann's Justin Doran acknowledged the impact of the notice on homes and thanked the community for their support while we worked to lift the notice.
"Uisce Éireann's primary focus remains the protection of public health and we worked to lift the notice in sections as quickly as it was safe to do so. The replacement of the original cast iron network has been completed. We would like to thank customers for their cooperation and patience while we complete these essential works."
The Uisce Éireann Customer Contact Centre, open 24/7 on freephone 1800 278 278, is available to answer queries in relation to the lifting of this notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie.
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.
Previous Updates
Major programme of works progressing to improve water quality and supply for customers in Tuam
Uisce Éireann is progressing works to improve the water network in Tuam with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice that is currently in place for 46 customers in Kilcloghans as soon as possible. The project, being carried out in partnership with Galway County Council, involves the replacement of approximately 861m of cast iron water mains with new pipework.
Uisce Éireann's Enda Mac Namara explained that as sections of the existing cast iron network are replaced, Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council will be in a position to consult with the HSE with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice.
"Crews will commence works in the coming days to replace approximately 861m of old cast iron water mains along Milltown Road, which is a critical step in safeguarding the water supply to homes and businesses in Tuam ensuring a safer, more sustainable water supply."
"We acknowledge the inconvenience that customers on this supply are experiencing in Kilcloghans and would like to reassure them that we are working as quickly and as efficiently as possible to complete this vital programme of works for the town and provide them with a safe and secure water supply for generations to come."
The section of works will take place along the R942 and N83. In order to safely deliver the works, a diversion will be required on the N83 however access will be maintained for local residents and businesses. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to the local community.
Uisce Éireann has prioritised the works under its National Leakage Reduction Programme which helps provide a more reliable water supply to communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Farrans Construction, in partnership with Galway County Council, is delivering the project on behalf of Uisce Éireann with completion expected in April. In the meantime, we will continue to closely monitor the local water supply to protect the health of our customers.
The Leakage Reduction Programme works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to any planned interruptions.
Uisce Éireann assures other customers supplied by the Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme that their water is compliant with regulatory standards and safe to drink. Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled and cooled.
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 - discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.
What actions should be taken:
- Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads);
- 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 (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink;
- Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water;
- Preparing Infant Formula: Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as 'Natural Mineral Water' as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. 'Natural Mineral Water' can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.
- Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
Uisce Éireann is progressing with works to lift two localised Boil Water Notices in Tuam and Loughrea.
In the meantime, 46 customers in Kilcloghans, Tuam and customers in parts of Loughrea Town are reminded to boil their water before use.
The Loughrea notice affects customers in Castle Street, Church Street, King Street, Kelly Street, Piggott Street, Moore Street, Dolphin Street, Mount Carmel Crescent, Athenry Road, Liam Mellows Terrace, Cross Street, St. Brendan's Day Care Centre as well the L-8273 between the Gort Road and the Old Galway Road.
Uisce Éireann assures other customers supplied by the Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme that their water is compliant with regulatory standards and safe to drink.
Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact of these notice on the communities and we assure customers that we are working as quickly as possible to lift them.
In Tuam we are progressing with a package of works to provide them with a safe and secure water supply for generations to come. Following the successful completion of this programme of remedial works, Uisce Éireann will then consult with the HSE with a view to lifting the Boil Water notice that is currently in place for 46 impacted customers.
In Loughrea, Uisce Éireann is replacing 1.8km of cast iron water mains with new pipework. As sections of the existing cast iron network are replaced, Uisce Éireann will be in a position to consult with the HSE with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice in sections.
A map of the affected areas is available to view on the Supply and Service Section of our website. Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of our website and entering the property's Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann's customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.