Residents with high-lead water told not to drink it

Residents in a housing estate with excessive lead levels in their water supply have been advised by a local authority not to drink the water.

Lead levels more than 10 times the permitted limits have been found in a number of houses at St Brendan’s Park, Tralee, Co Kerry. One had 155 micrograms per litre while the acceptable level was 10 micrograms. The residents have requested Irish Water for an exemption on charges until the situation is remedied.

However, last night, Irish Water confirmed replacement works in St Brendan’s Park will commence today and the lead services will be replaced within four months. The full scope of the contract will conclude before May 2015.