Highest number of complaints to Uisce Éireann claiming water had made people ill came from Cork

Cork City has had well-documented issues with water supplies and ongoing controversy over the discolouration of drinking water.

Nearly 1,000 people complained to Uisce Éireann the supply from the taps in their homes had made them sick over the past two years.

The highest number of complaints from the 973 total came from the Cork City area, where 105 people believed they had become ill from drinking water.

Irish Water said every one of the incidents had been investigated but there was no verified illness related to any of the queries received.

It said the supply network in Ireland was of a very high quality, with more than 99% of the country’s water supplies fully compliant with drinking water standards.

Figures released under freedom of information show there were 472 complaints made about water making people sick in 2023.

There was a slight rise last year, when 501 householders said they believed they became ill because of water supply issues.

The Cork City Council area was a particular hotspot for complaints, with 62 last year and 43 in 2023.

The city has had well-documented issues with water supplies and ongoing controversy over the discolouration of drinking water.

The next highest number of complaints came from the Dublin City Council area, with 88 residents claiming they became ill after drinking tap water.

There were also 61 complaints from the Cork County Council area, 58 in Co Kildare and 54 in Co Clare.

Data from Irish Water also shows spikes in complaints during certain months from a single county.

In August of last year, for example, there were 23 complaints in a single month from residents of Co Clare.

Similarly in May 2023, 20 complaints were received from householders in Co Kildare about illness and water supply.

Irish Water said while it was able to supply the number of complaint cases, this did not represent “actual proven illnesses".

It said any complaint that mentioned illness was treated seriously and sent at once for investigation.

A spokesperson said: “There was no verified illness due to drinking water quality related to any of the complaints received.”

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It said an extensive water quality monitoring regime was in place and any issues around drinking water regulations were notified to the HSE.

The spokesperson added if there were any issues, immediate notifications including boil water notices or do not consume notices were issued to protect public health.