Elevated levels of lead found in Clare tap water

Elevated levels of lead were found in the tapwater of four areas of Co Clare after the local Council increased monitoring in recent weeks.

Clare County Council made the discoveries in Church View in Sixmilebridge, Patrick Street in Clarecastle, and Marian Avenue and Connolly Villas in Ennis.

It is estimated that approximately 150 premises at the four locations are potentially affected.

David Timlin, Director of Service with Clare County Council said: “The risk relates specifically to premises which were constructed before the early 1960s and have not been renovated since and continue to have lead services.

“If your home was built since the early 1960s, it is likely that there are no lead pipes in your property. People who stay or live in homes built before the early 1960s and are concerned that their supply is from lead services are advised to flush their pipes as a precaution by running the cold water from the kitchen tap until the sink is filled, before consuming the water.

“This advice applies particularly first thing in the morning or if the water has been unused in the pipes for longer than six hours.”

If adverse results are verified by the current programme of monitoring, further assessment will be carried out. Consumers particularly at risk include children under six, and pregnant women.”

Boiling is not appropriate to deal with lead exceedances. Even if homes have lead service pipes, the water is safe for bathing, showering, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and clothes.

Timlin added: “Clare County Council will continue to follow EPA guidelines and will be carrying out surveys to identify locations of concern and is preparing an action plan”.