Works continuing to address intermittent discoloration affecting Cavan Hill water network

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

Uisce Éireann continues to prioritise works to proactively address intermittent water discolouration affecting some customers on the Cavan Hill water supply, which supplies Dundalk and surrounding areas.

Discolouration issues affecting the Cavan Hill supply, which supplies Dundalk and surrounding areas, are typically experienced as rising temperatures over the summer months are associated with increased levels of manganese in raw water, which results in instances of discoloration.

A programme of proactive network flushing commenced earlier this week and will continue on a phased basis for 16 weeks.

Stephen Burke, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Operations Manager, said “The increase in water temperatures during the summer months leads to intermittent instances of discolouration on the Cavan Hill water network. Last year we completed a 16-week targeted flushing programme on the water network which proved effective in reducing instances of discolouration, and we have rolled out the same programme as a proactive measure coming into this summer.”

Flushing works are underway at Dublin Road and the Inner Relief Road, working into Muirhavenmore, Tom Bellew Avenue, Avenue Road, Bay Estate and Coes Road.

Stephen continued “In tandem with network flushing, a project to upgrade Cavan Hill Water Treatment Plant is at design stage. Commissioning of new filters to remove manganese from raw water will require upgrades to residual processes in the water treatment plant. To progress with this project, statutory consents such as environmental assessments and planning permission may be required.”

Protecting public health is the top priority for Uisce Éireann. Regular sampling is carried out on the network, along with operational sampling at the water treatment plant. This provides reassurance that the water is compliant once running clear and assists with investigations into discolouration reports. Uisce Éireann reiterates its advice to customers not to drink discoloured water. When water is discoloured, we recommend people to run the cold water tap in the kitchen for several minutes, as this will usually restore water to a clear colour. The water is safe to drink once it is running clear.  Should discolouration persist after twenty minutes customers are encouraged to contact our customer team on 1800 278 278.

As part of Uisce Éireann's continuing commitment to keep the community informed, we will continue to engage with all local elected representatives and issue updates throughout the flushing programme, and as the design of the water treatment plant upgrade progresses.