Formal complaint over high level of chemical contamination in Irish water

The European Commission has upgraded a formal complaint over the high level of chemical contamination in Irish drinking water.This follows a complaint, lodged nine years ago by Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), about the excess of harmful trihalomethanes (THMs) found in numerous drinking water supplies.

According to the environmental group,  THMs are formed when organic matter, such as suspended peat sediment, are treated with chlorine at water treatment plants.  They are harmful to human health and include known carcinogens like chloroform.  They are usually ingested by drinking, but can be inhaled in the bath or shower, or when washing clothes and dishes.