The residents of Fintown are still required to take precautions with their water supply as the Boil Water Notice remains in place after 10 days.
The microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium was detected in treated water coming from the Fintown Water Treatment Plant. Consumers on the Fintown Public Water Supply and Meenmore – Meentinney group water scheme have been told to boil water to protect their health since June 2nd. (The affected area is outlined in the map above.)
A rigorous water sampling programme has since been put in place by Irish Water in partnership with Donegal County Council which has showed reduced levels of Cryptosporidium contamination since the first detection last week.
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that is found mainly in the faeces of infected humans or animals. The symptoms of infection include Diarrhoea that lasts 1 to 2 weeks, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and low grade fever.
No related illness has been reported in the community, but Irish Water have been advised by the HSE who are liaising with local GPs and would like to remind all consumers that the boil water notice remains in place and that the actions outlined below remain in place until the notice is lifted.
Irish Water and Donegal County Council have said that they are continuing with their investigations to determine the source of this contamination and are striving to have the boil water notice lifted as soon as possible.
Donegal County Council, on behalf of Irish Water, has delivered boil water notifications to all customers in the Fintown area and the HSE has also been in contact with consumers offering advice.
Water must be boiled for:
– Drinking
– Drinks made with water
– Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
– Brushing of teeth
– Making of ice
– Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.
What actions should be taken:
– Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads).
– Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling.
– Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink.
– Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water.
– Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na’ is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
Further information and additional advice for customers is available on www.water.ie or by calling 1850 278 278.
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