Uisce Éireann has been slammed for its failure to report a potential risk at a Water Treatment Plant in East Clare for six weeks.
An EPA audit of the O’Briensbridge Treatment Plant found that an Ultraviolet Disinfection Alarm had been disabled without approval at the plant for a three-week period between December and January.
Uisce Éireann failed to notify any authorities until February 12th, and was unaware of high turbidity levels in the water that could’ve caused contamination.
Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O’Brien says it’s a disgraceful situation.
Listen to the full interview here
Statement from Uisce Éireann
Uisce Éireann can confirm that the water supplied by O’Brien’s Bridge Public Water Supply remains safe to drink. This has been established following additional sampling and monitoring carried out in response to this incident, and consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
A number of remedial measures have been completed to address the findings outlined in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) audit and reduce the risk of reoccurrence. Further measures are scheduled to be delivered in the coming months. These measures include new technical monitoring systems, the installation of new UV units and filters and software upgrades.
Separately, Uisce Éireann has invested in capital maintenance upgrade works at O’Brien’s Bridge Water Treatment Plant over the course of this year. These works are aimed at increasing the resilience and operational performance of the plant.
Uisce Éireann regrets any concern caused locally and remains committed to protecting public health.
