Council confirms e-coli in water supply on Swords estate

The water supply to a housing estate in Dublin is contaminated with e-coli, it was confirmed tonight.

Residents in the Swords development have been warned to boil drinking water after the discovery of the bacteria in the system.

The precaution, first issued on August 8, remains in place until the source of the contamination is identified.

Council representatives stress that there is no immediate danger to householders in Knocksedan Estate, Swords, Co Dublin.

Fingal County Council said the contamination occurred within about 1 km of the estate and does not affect the whole Swords area.

``We are continuing to do everything to identify the exact source of contamination so that normal water supply can be restored as soon as possible,'' said a spokeswoman.

``It is a possibility that the source of the contamination cannot be determined conclusively, but the Council is carrying out all necessary measures to eradicate the contamination.

``Until such time as an all clear notice is delivered to each house the boil water notice remains in effect.''

Possibilities given for the cause include a leak in the supply main which is allowing contaminated surface water to get into the watermain when pressures are low or someone opening a fire hydrant to ``take'' water but contaminated surface water was allowed to enter the system as a result.

A consumer could have also contaminated his/her water supply which then was accidentally backfed (sucked) into the Council main, contaminating the water, the council said.

Meanwhile, boiling water notices have been lifted in Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, where the water supply last week tested positive for e-coli.