People on the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme have been told not to consume water due to elevated levels of manganese.
The notice, issued by Irish Water, applies to around 156 customers on the island.
They say that it is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle-fed infants.
The notice differs from a Boil Water Notice as boiling water will not reduce manganese levels, and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume.
Other areas and water schemes in Galway are not affected by the alert.
Tankered water is being made available near the pier on the island to provide an alternative water supply to customers.
Customers are being reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.
Irish Water has said that experts are working with their colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
“Irish Water is aware of the impact a Do Not Consume Notice has on the community and would like to reassure impacted customers that we are working hard to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Rónan Daly, Operations Lead with Irish Water.
“We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.”
Water should not be used for
- Drinking
- Drinks made with water
- Food preparation, washing or cooking of food,
- Brushing of teeth
- Making of ice
- Children under 12 months old should not drink this water
- In particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated.
- If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way
- Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.
- Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
- Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
- Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges
What can you use water for?
- The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils
- Irish Water and Galway County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable.
Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
