Do Not Consume Notice Remains In Place In Achill Island

Residents living in Achill Island in Co Mayo and the adjacent mainland are being reminded that a Do Not Consume notice remains in place on the water supply.

Irish Water and May County Council said the water is not safe for consumption or the preparation of foods, but it is safe for hygiene and use in washing machines and dishwashers. Consumers are also being reminded to continue to wash their hands in line with HSE advice while the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

Irish Water and Mayo County Council continue to appeal to residents, businesses and visitors to Achill Island to conserve water. Demand for water remains high and we are grateful to those customers who have listened to and acted on our water conservation pleas which is helping us to provide a continuous supply for everyone for essential handwashing and hygiene purposes.


Ger Greally, Irish Water, said: "Irish Water and Mayo County Council are putting plans in place to scour/flush the network and clean reservoirs once the demand and temperatures drop and the plant starts producing consistently compliant water once again. This scouring and cleaning regime is necessary to ensure there are no residues of aluminium in the reservoirs or in the distribution network.

"There has been a noticeable decrease in visitors on the island and the plant is beginning to return to normal operation levels. Irish Water and Mayo County Council will continue to assess the situation on a daily basis until the demand fully returns to normal levels.

"Tankers providing alternative drinking water supplies remain in place at 28 locations across the island.

"The incident management team comprising experts from Irish Water and Mayo County Council continues to meet regularly to analyse all available data and plan for the lifting of the notice when the conditions are appropriate.

"In terms of a resolution the demand is still in excess of supply even with the Do Not Consume in place and we are asking both residents and visitors to conserve water wherever possible to reduce demand."