Tourists visiting North Clare are said to be refusing to shower or brush their teeth because of a smell coming from the water.
The water supply in many towns and villages has been omitting a “mouldy” odour in recent days – which Irish Water is investigating.
Business owners say it’s embarrassing, and damaging for their repuation.
Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:
In recent days, locals have reported their water appears cloudy and has a strong mouldy smell coming from it.
Irish Water says a naturally occurring algae is the suspected cause, and a treatment has been added to the supply to rectify it.
While it’s still safe to drink, the smell has been causing problems for local businesses.
Lahinch, Ennistymon, Ballyvaughan, Liscannor, Doolin, Kilfenora and surrounding areas have all been affected – at a time when visitor numbers are at their peak.
Irish Water expects the supply to return to normal in the coming days – but Lahinch hotelier Michael Vaughan fears it’ll damage Clare in the eyes of visitors who are experiencing these problems.
Duane O’Brien is the Water Operations Lead for Clare with Irish Water – he is reassuring customers that it won’t damage people’s health.
Any customers with queries or concerns about the quality of their drinking water should contact the Irish Water customer care line at 1850 278 278.
