A BOIL WATER notice has been issued in Co Wexford, estimated to impact over 21,700 people in the south-east of the country. 

Irish Water said the notice is in place to protect the health of consumers after a deterioration in raw water quality entering the Wexford Town Water Supply was identified. 

The notice was issued with immediate effect by Irish Water and Wexford County Council following consultation with the HSE. 

Some of the areas which must boil their water before drinking include Newtown Road, Carcur, Carricklawn, Coolcotts, Whitemill, Wyram, Clonard, Townparks, Ard Carman, Barntown, Taghmon, and Hill Street.

A larger map of the affected areas can be found here.

Irish Water Irish Water

Water for those in the affected area 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.

These are the actions that should be taken:

• Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (such as 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 (possibly 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.