Donegal County Council Logo
Home > Services > Water > Boil Water Notice Ballymagroarty GWS

Public Alert: Boil Water Notice

Date of Boil Water Notice: 25 January 2019

 

It has come to the attention of Donegal County Council that the water supply scheme formerly known as the Ballymagroarty Group Water Supply Scheme is contaminated with cryptosporidium. Following advice from the Health Service Executive, Donegal County Council are issuing a Boil Water Notice to protect the health of consumers.



This notice applies to consumers on the water supply scheme formerly known as Ballymagroarty Group Water Scheme, the Rath/Lisminton Group Water Scheme, the Carricknahorna Group Water Scheme and the Lurgan Group Water Scheme who must now boil water before use. A map of the scheme, detailing the area affected is shown below:

 

Map of Ballymagroarty GWS BWN

 

Areas : All persons served by the water scheme formerly known as Ballymagroarty Group Water Scheme, the Rath/Lisminton Group Water Scheme, the Carricknahorna Group Water Scheme and the Lurgan Group Water Scheme

 

Action to be undertaken

 

  • Water 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.

 

  • Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. 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 (e.g. 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.  If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content.  The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre.  Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre.  If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water.  If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible.  It is important to keep babies hydrated.

 

  • Anyone suffering from diarrhoea for more than two days should contact their general practitioner and provide a stool sample for testing.  They should continue to drink plenty of boiled or bottled water.

 

  • Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

 

What is Cryptosporidium?

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that is found mainly in the faeces of infected humans or animals.  Humans are infected when they swallow contaminated water or food, or touch contaminated objects and then touch their mouths before washing their hands well.

 

What are the symptoms?

Diarrhoea that lasts 1 to 2 weeks, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and low grade fever.  People usually develop symptoms 1 to 12 days after swallowing the parasite.  If you are worried contact your GP.

 

What can I do to prevent getting it?

  • Use boiled water for:
    • Drinking
    • Drinks made with water
    • Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
    • Brushing of teeth
    • Making ice
  • Wash your hands carefully after going to the toilet, changing nappies, and before preparing food.
  • Be careful when bathing small children to ensure that they do not swallow any bath water.
  • As Cryptosporidium can be passed from animals to humans, ensure that you and your children always wash your hands after handling any animals (including pets) or after visiting a farm.
  • Do not drink unpasteurised milk.

 

Who is most at risk?

Persons with an impaired immune system, young children and older people are most at risk of picking up Cryptosporidium.

 

How long before the boil water notice can be lifted?

We do not know at present, but Donegal County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice as soon as practicable. 

 

How will we keep you informed?

You will be kept informed through the following media:

 

Awareness for commercial premises:

Donegal County Council request that this Boil Water Notice is placed in a prominent position within your commercial premises.

 

Remember to boil water as advised until further notice.

 

This notice only applies to those on the Ballymagroarty Group Water Scheme and the associated group water schemes.

 

 

Michael McGarvey

Director of Services

Donegal County Council

 

Rate this Page

Select an option below

Map Services

Map Portal

  • winterweather Image
  • NWGreenway network icon
  • Donegal Tourism Logo
  • Rennet Image
  • NPPR Logo
  • Donegal Gathering Logo
  • Donegal Diaspora Logo
  • Public Art logo
  • Regional Cultural Centre logo
  • Spaceial logo
  • IrishWater
  • LEO