BREAKING: Major update given regarding Tipperary Boil Water Notice

Families and businesses in Newport, Ballina, Birdhill, Ballinahinch, Killoscully and surrounding areas can return to using their water supply as normal following the lifting of the Boil Water Notice.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann can confirm that the water is safe to drink, prepare food with and use as normal.

The notice has been lifted following a series of satisfactory water quality tests.

Newport’s drinking water comes from the Mulkear River. During periods of heavy rainfall, the quality of water coming into the treatment plant can change quickly, making it more challenging to treat. This was the issue that led to the Boil Water Notice being introduced on 25 October during Storm Boelo. Heavy rainfall can increase levels of debris, colour and turbidity in the river, all of which must be removed through the treatment process before the water is safe to drink.

Since the notice was introduced, our drinking water teams have been closely monitoring the supply, carrying out water quality testing and progressing upgrades at the treatment plant. Following satisfactory test results and consultation with the HSE, the water is now safe to use as normal.

We know the notice has had a real impact on day-to-day life for families, businesses and the wider community. We would like to thank everyone affected for their patience, understanding and support while our teams carried out the work needed to safely lift the notice.

While the notice has now been lifted, work is continuing to make Newport's water supply more resilient. Our teams are upgrading the filtration system and electronic controls at the water treatment plant to help it respond more effectively when the quality of water coming from the Mulkear River changes and we are also progressing plans to upgrade part of the treatment process to enhance resilience.

Until these upgrades are complete, however, the Newport supply remains vulnerable during periods when conditions in the Mulkear River become particularly challenging. This means there remains a risk that further Boil Water Notices may be needed over the coming months. Protecting public health has been and will always be our priority.

Alongside the upgrades already underway, we are progressing a further major investment in Newport's water supply, with elements of the project being accelerated in response to the increasing challenges at the plant. This longer-term investment will further strengthen the resilience and reliability of the water supply for homes, businesses, and the wider community into the future.

Anthony Phelan, Uisce Éireann, said: “We know how disruptive a Boil Water Notice can be for families, businesses and everyday life, and I want to sincerely thank everyone in the community for the patience and understanding they have shown while this notice has been in place.

“Our drinking water teams have worked hard to resolve the issue and, following satisfactory water quality results, we’re very pleased that people can now return to using their water supply as normal. However, the Newport supply remains vulnerable to further boil water notices. The quality of water in the Mulkear River can change significantly following heavy rainfall, which can put additional pressure on the treatment processes at the plant.

“That’s why we’re taking action now. Upgrades to the plant are progressing and are due to be completed by the end of the year. We are also advancing a significant longer-term investment to make Newport’s water supply more resilient.

“Until those immediate upgrades are complete, there remains a risk that further Boil Water Notices may be needed if raw water conditions become particularly challenging. Protecting public health has been and will always be our priority.

“We will continue to keep the Newport community informed as these improvements progress and will share updates if there are any changes that could affect the water supply.”

The Uisce Éireann Customer Contact Centre, open 24/7 on freephone 1800 278 278, is available to answer queries in relation to water supplies. Further information is available on the Uisce Éireann website.

Uisce Éireann also has a free text service providing real-time updates on local water supply issues. People can sign up to this service on the Uisce Éireann website.