Residents in Kildysart and Coolmeen are hoping a water restriction notice in the area will be short-lived.
People there have been forced to go to tankers, or to buy bottled water, after the pubilc supply was deemed unsafe for drinking.
It was the beginning of this month when reports of dirty or discoloured water first emerged in the Kildysart and Coolmeen areas.
Following complaints from the public the HSE tested for manganese in the middle of the month and discovered high-levels of the naturally occuring mineral.
Last night, in conjunction with the Council and Irish Water, they issued a water restriction notice advising people not to use tap water except for the flushing of toilets, flushing of internal house plumbing systems, dishwashing and personal hygiene.
The precautionary measure applies to around 1,500 customers on the Kildysart Public Water Scheme, and the Coolmeen Group Scheme.
Sean Ward, Senior Engineer with the Council, feels recent dry weather could be to blame.
Water tankers have been put in place in Kildysart and Coolmeen last night and this morning – the Council says it's assessing the need for these going forward, and it's expected more will be in place this evening.
Testing of the water supply is also continuing, and early results suggest levels of manganese have already begun to fall.
If this trend continues, then it's hoped the notice will be lifted in the coming days and locals are hoping this will be the case.
Former Councillor and Kildysart resident Oliver Garry says it's one of the biggest weeks of the year for the West Clare village.
