Clare County Council has just issued the following statement in respect of the water issues in Corofin and Ruan.
An estimated 1800 customers of the Corofin and Ruan Public Water Supply in County Clare are being advised that water on the scheme is not suitable for drinking due to the presence of an algal bloom in the raw water for the supply at Inchiquin Lake.
The algal bloom has arisen due to the extended period of dry weather, elevated temperatures and reduced water levels in the lake. Water customers in Corofin town and its environs and in Ruan village, as well as customers of the Killeen Group Scheme Supply are affected by the alert.
The HSE, in conjunction with Irish Water and Clare County Council, is advising customers that tap water should not be used until further notice except for the flushing of toilets, flushing of internal house plumbing systems and laundry. Customers are also advised to discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers. It is also advised that the water should not be used for personal hygiene (showering, brushing teeth etc.)
Meanwhile, works will continue over the weekend to connect some of the affected customers to an alternative water supply.
Drinking water tankers are being provided at the following locations from Friday 15th August to Monday 18th August 2014:
- Outside Bofey Quinns Pub, Corofin
- St. Patricks Community Hall, Gort Road, Corofin
- Opposite Kerry Agri at the Ennistymon Junction, Corofin
- Grotto in Corofin town
- Adjacent to the Dalcassion pub in Ruan village
The public is asked to bring their own containers and boil all tankered water before consumption.
Further information will be disseminated via the media, on www.water.ie and the Irish Water Customer Contact Centre: 1890 278278. Customers are requested to advise Irish Water or Clare County Council of elderly or disabled people who may require special assistance.
Meanwhile, Clare County Council is advising lake users not to bathe in the lake or allow animals to enter the lake. Farmers with lands bordering Lough Inchiquin are also being advised not to allow their animals to drink from the lake. Further information in relation to the lake quality can be obtained from Clare County Council's Environment Section at (065) 6846331.
