Water flows again at city plant

THESE are the men who helped get water flowing from Cork’s main treatment plant last night for the first time in a week.

But it could be a day or two more before drinking water is restored to the 18,000 households which have been without it since last week’s flood.

After a remarkable around-the-clock repair effort, water was pumped from the Lee Road plant in limited quantities to the low level reservoir at Shanakiel.

Water will be brought to the intermediate and high level reservoirs over the coming days.

Authorities issued a boil water notice for the city’s northside and urged the public to be patient while the treatment plant is cranked up over the next 24 to 48 hours.

A city council spokeswoman said people may experience water pressure problems because of air locks, and some discolouration. “These difficulties are normal after the major disruption that has occurred. People should allow time for water to settle in their storage tanks and pipes and to ensure the clarity of water before using washing machines and other appliances so as to prevent staining,” she said.

“We would also ask that people make sure that all taps and showers are turned off to prevent homes flooding.”

Emergency drinking and sanitary water will be provided at 55 locations citywide until water supplies are restored. The army and gardaí will also continue their deliveries of water.

Lord Mayor Cllr Dara Murphy praised all those who have been involved in the plant repair, and the water supply and delivery operation, since last Friday.

“We are cautiously optimistic that this situation will be resolved in the next few days,” he said.

Meanwhile, engineering crews from the naval service have been using pumps designed for taking water from flooded ships and boats, and for fighting fires at sea, to keep the storage tanks of some city hospitals full.

The navy is also pumping water from tankers into the tanks of St Patrick’s Hospital and Marymount Hospice, the COPE Foundation in Montenotte and other hospitals and care homes.

The LÉ Orla, docked on the North Customs House Quay providing logistics supports, was replaced by the LÉ Emer last night.

- For water queries freefone 1800 283034.