Uisce Éireann to launch fresh round of flushing in Cork City to tackle brown water issues

The work will be carried out at night-time during off-peak usage hours, typically starting after 10pm and finishing in the early hours of the morning

Uisce Éireann has announced a fresh round of network flushing on the northside of Cork city as it continues its work to address the city’s dirty brown water problem.

Planned flushing of pipes will take place on The Avenue, Pope’s Hill, Assumption Road, and Ardpatrick from Monday, and the work is expected to take up to four nights to complete.

The work will be carried out at night-time during off-peak usage hours, typically starting after 10pm and finishing in the early hours of the morning.

The utility said this is to allow the network time to return to normal before the morning demand starts, reducing the potential for discoloured water at customers’ taps.

Water operations lead for Uisce Éireann, James Goulding, said they have now completed planned flushing in two out of four zones in the Inner South Central District Meter Area.

“On Monday night, we aim to begin zone three on the northside of Cork city,” he said.

“We have seen positive benefits from undertaking planned flushing and our goal is to reduce the instances of discolouration in targeted areas based on reports of discolouration.”

Information leaflets on the flushing work have been distributed to residents, and signage will be put in place in the area as work progresses.

Uisce Éireann has also reiterated its public health advice that water is safe to drink once it is running clear.