Extensive Testing Continues On Cork City Water Supply

A series of extensive testing and sampling is continuing to take place on the Cork city water supply following reports of discolouration.

Irish Water will share its findings with the EPA and the HSE so they can confirm that the water is safe to drink.

The utility is collaborating with Cork City Council to continuously test and sample water supplies across the city.

A programme of network flushing has been underway for a number of weeks to address any remaining localised discolouration issues. Whenever the mains are flushed there is a visible colour in the water for a period of time post flushing. As advised, customers should not drink discoloured water. Any customers who have queries or concerns in relation to discolouration should contact Irish Water directly at 1800 278 278. All reports will be followed up and investigated.


If water from your kitchen tap looks orange or brown, Irish Water and Cork City Council recommend running the kitchen tap for a few minutes to see if the water returns to a clear colour. If the water does not run clear, contact Irish Water Customer Care Team 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and it will be investigated. Do not drink discoloured water.

Irish Water is actively making interventions to resolve issues as they arise and would encourage customers to continue to report issues with drinking water. The company would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused as it progresses with upgrades to the water supply in Cork.

Ongoing works in Cork city, such as mains replacement works and/or leakage reduction works, may also cause discolouration. The issue of discolouration is a common one and can occur across the country for a number of reasons such as old infrastructure, bursts and network improvement works.