After eight months, the Boil Water Notice for 13,000 people on the Lough Talt Water Scheme in south Sligo and part of Mayo has been lifted.
It was imposed last February after bacteria was found in the supply.
The Boil Water Notice was continued until now due to cryptosporidium at the scheme’s treatment plant and reports of illness in the local community.
Now, Irish Water, the HSE and Sligo County Council have agreed to lift the notice with immediate effect.
This is because of no reported cases of illness or bacteria since the end of August.
However, Irish Water will continue to monitor the supply.
Irish Water Regional Operations Asset Manager Anthony Skeffington, says public health is always the Number One concern.
Busineses, such as hotels and others providing accommodation, were among the 13,000 customers for whom the Boil Water Notice was both an inconvenience and an additional cost.
However, Irish Water says the level of treatment currently provided at the Lough Talt plant is not adequate.
And it adds that until the plant is upgraded, there is a high risk of bacteria being found in the supply again.
If this happens, it’s possible the Boil Water Notice might be reimposed.
For now, however, people such as local Councillor Keith Henry are hoping that will not happen.
