Boil Water Notice in effect for customers supplied by Kells-Oldcastle Public Water Supply Scheme

A Boil Water Notice tells you that it is not safe to drink water from your tap. Before you drink it, you must boil and cool it.

As a result of Storm Éowyn, a Boil Water Notice (BWN) is being issued to protect the health of approximately 1,860 customers supplied by Kells-Oldcastle Public Water Supply Scheme due to a loss of electricity at the Fennor reservoir which has impacted the disinfection of the water from the reservoir.

The impacted areas include: Oldcastle, Fennor, Farranaglogh, Ardfrail, Tubride, Newcastle and surrounding areas.

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

During a Boil Water Notice It is not safe to drink water straight from your cold or hot tap. Allow the water to cool before use. Fill a container with the boiled water, then store it somewhere cool, like your fridge.

When to use boiled and cooled water

Drinking, drinks made with water and filtered water

Brushing your teeth or water for gargling

Making ice (throw away existing ice cubes)

Preparing foods which you don't cook, like salads or fruit

Giving drinks to pets

When it's ok to use tap water

Showering

Bathing

Flushing the toilet

Children and infants

How to care for children and babies during a Boil Water Notice.

Bathing

Make sure that babies or children don't drink or swallow their bath water. You might want to sponge bath them while there is a Boil water notice in place.

Baby formula and feeds

Advice from the HSE:

You can prepare infant formula during a Boil Water Notice using:

tap water that you have boiled for 1 minute and cooled

bottled water that you have boiled for 1 minute and cooled

ready-to-use formula that does not need added water

always sterilise baby bottles and do not wash them with tap water

Natural mineral water can contain high levels of minerals, including sodium. If you cannot get other water, use natural mineral water to keep your baby hydrated. However, use it for as short a time as possible.

Food businesses

The HSE has guidance for food businesses on using commercial appliances during a Boil Water Notice. This guidance only applies to food businesses, such as cafes and restaurants. It does not apply to private homes. If you have questions about the guidance, contact your local Environmental Health section of the HSE.

Water for animals

Pets

Avoid giving tap water to your pet while a Boil Water Notice is in place. If you have questions, talk to your local vet.

Livestock

We put Boil Water Notices in place to protect human health. Outdoor animals, such as cattle and horses, are exposed to higher levels of bacteria than humans. Talk to your vet if you have concerns about animals drinking water during a Boil Water Notice.

Customers with health concerns

Customers with health conditions that need a safe water supply should register with Uisce Eireann as a vulnerable customer. Uisce Eireann will directly contact all registered vulnerable customers immediately if a Boil Water Notice or Do Not Consume notice is imposed.

If you have other health concerns, it's best to talk to your doctor or GP.