Uisce Éireann to flush pipes in Cork City to tackle water discolouration 

This initiative is part of ongoing measures by the Water Quality Taskforce to address instances of water discolouration reported by residents and businesses in the Mount Farran area

Uisce Éireann is continuing its efforts to improve water quality in Cork City, with a proactive flushing programme scheduled to begin in the Mount Farran area on Wednesday, January 15. 

This initiative is part of ongoing measures by the Water Quality Taskforce to address instances of water discolouration reported by residents and businesses.

Flushing will start on January 15 and will typically be carried out during night-time hours, between 8pm and 4am, to minimise disruption and ensure the water network normalises before morning demand begins.

Signage will be placed in the affected areas in advance of the works. 

Customers are also encouraged to monitor the supply and service updates section on the Uisce Éireann website for real-time information.

Residents and businesses are advised not to drink discoloured water. If discolouration occurs, running taps for up to 20 minutes may help clear the issue. 

Uisce Éireann says flushing activities may be postponed in the event of icy conditions.

James Goulding, water operations lead for Uisce Éireann stated: “Our goal is to minimise the instances of discolouration for the people of Cork City, based on where reports of discolouration have been received."

Uisce Éireann reports a positive trend in areas that have already undergone flushing, with fewer reports of discolouration and improved outcomes following proactive callbacks to affected customers. 

Mr Goulding emphasised the importance of customer feedback in shaping their response.

“We recognise that instances of discolouration are still arising in areas of Cork City," he said. We continue to advise customers not to drink discoloured water and to contact us directly with any reports of discolouration to help us manage the response in real-time and to prioritise reactive works. 

"Callbacks to customers who have previously raised concerns over discoloured water are ongoing.”

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Mr Goulding said the proactive flushing programme is particularly effective in addressing short-term impacts by removing sediment buildup in older cast iron mains.

“Our proactive flushing programme targets the areas impacted the most by discolouration, he said. 

"Uisce Éireann is seeing a positive trend in areas that have been flushed, based on discolouration report numbers and proactive callbacks to customers. 

"We will continue to prioritise areas based on the numbers of reports of discolouration received.”