Huge relief for 17,500 Longford people as boil water notice lifted with immediate effect
There is huge relief among 17,500 Longford people this evening as it has been announced that the boil water notice affecting them has been lifted with immediate effect.
The Longford boil water notice, affecting customers supplied by Longford Central Public Water Supply, has been in place since November 3.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an audit at the Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant on Thursday, November 25 and although the plant 'was producing safe water' it was found that 'further controls are needed on filter operations to ensure safe water at all times'.
Last Monday (November 29), Irish Water said their drinking water experts were working with their colleagues in Longford County Council and in consultation with the HSE to lift the boil water notice as quickly and as safely as possible.
Vulnerable customers who registered with Irish Water are receiving direct communication this evening that the boil water notice has been lifted with immediate effect.
While Longford's Oireachtas representatives have also taken to their social media platforms to alert constituents that after almost five weeks they can consume their water without needing to boil it.
John Gavin, Asset Operations Lead with Irish Water, said: "The Boil Water Notice was put in place following deterioration in the raw water quality which compromised the cryptosporidium barrier at the treatment plant. We are delighted to confirm that following the successful completion of extensive remedial works at the treatment plant and working closely with our colleagues in Longford County Council, the Boil Water Notice impacting customers on Longford Central Public Water Supply can now be lifted. We would like to thank the people and the business community of Longford for their patience as we worked to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible.”
In relation to the upgrade works at Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant, John added: “We are continuing to progress with upgrades to the treatment plant which will increase capacity, provide increased resilience, and safeguard the water supply in Longford for the future”.
The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to the lifting of this notice.
Irish Water and Longford County Council acknowledge the patience, cooperation and assistance of the general public during the period of the boil water notice and regrets any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community.