An urgent boil water notice has been issued for a part of Cork.
Water from the Whitegate Regional Public Water Supply system has been deemed "unsafe" and a boil water notice was issued for the area, which is in the eastern part of the county, for an indefinite period.
Irish Water said that water in the Whitegate and surrounding affected area is "potentially unsafe to drink due to inadequate disinfection at the plant".
It added: "As a result, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Cork County Council are issuing a Boil Water Notice with immediate effect to protect the health of consumers.
"This notice applies to all consumers supplied by the Whitegate Regional PWS. All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking."
For a full map covering the areas affected, go to water.ie.
Water must be boiled for on a rolling boil for one minute and then cooled for:
• Drinking
• Preparing Drinks made with water
• Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
• Brushing of teeth and/or gargling
• Making of ice. However, ensure you first discard all existing ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges
When it comes to preparing infant formula, the advice from Irish Water is "you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for one minute) and cooled beforehand.
"Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water.
"It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does."
Irish Water has promised updates on the issue.
