Complaints of ‘colour’ in Lough Talt water
IRISH WATER has said that the lower use of chlorine in the treatment process at the new Lough Talt water treatment plant has meant that “some slight increase in colour is being experienced” in the water supply.
The water utility was responding yesterday, Wednesday, to a query from the Sligo Weekender following complaints by some people about the colour of the water from the new €10m plant, which began operating at the end of last year. Tubbercurry-based councillor Martin Connolly had also been in contact with Irish Water. He said: “I received concerns from some constituents regarding discolouration of the water and I put questions to Irish Water in relation to these.
The new Lough Talt plant was upgraded as the original treatment plant built in 1972 did not provide adequate treatment for protection against cryptosporidium and the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs), which are considered carcinogenic.
Its commissioning meant the lifting of a boil water notice which had been in place for around two years and affected approximately 13,000 customers in the large area of south Sligo, including the towns of Ballymote and Tubbercurry.
In a statement to the Sligo Weekender, Irish Water said that the new water treatment plant for the Lough Talt Public Water Supply “is performing very well”.
“Following the recent lift of the boil water notice with the elimination of the risk of cryptosporidium, Irish Water has been monitoring the plant and network for compliance for THMs. Results so far are excellent and following a recent audit by the EPA, the plant has been removed from the EPA’s Remedial Action List.” The statement goes on: “While the new plant is performing well we are aware that some consumers have observed occasional low colour in the supply.
“Irish Water wishes to advise that due to the upgrade of the disinfection process and the lower use of chlorine in the new treatment process, some slight increase in colour is being experienced.
“Irish Water process experts are currently working to optimise the treatment to improve the colour concerns. Irish Water wishes to reassure all consumers that the water is fully compliant with the drinking water regulations. The water is safe to drink and is being continuously monitored for quality.”