Clonmel hit by water boiling notice

THE discovery of cryptosporidium in the water supply serving Clonmel has led to a boil notice being issued for large parts of the town.

An emergency meeting of the local council was held last night to discuss the contamination, which was found during routine monitoring of the Glenary supply which is the source for most of the town centre and outlying housing estates.

Thousands of residents will be affected by the boil notice which could be in place for up to six weeks while works to upgrade the affected treatment plant are taking place and then tested.

Notices are being delivered by hand this morning to houses in the affected area.

HSE officials briefed councillors about the contamination, which is believed to come from an animal source and was discovered on Thursday evening.

Clonmel Borough Council stressed last night no cases of human illness had been reported because of the cryptosporidium.

“The species identified in the water is not the species normally associated with human illness,” said council director of services Billy McEvoy last night.

All water in the affected areas must be boiled for drinking, making drinks with water, preparation of foods which are not cooked prior to eating, brushing of teeth, and making ice. The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets.

* For information freephone 1800 271777 from 9am to 5pm today and on bank holiday Monday.