Floods Leave Galway 'Without Water'

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink in Galway today, as the severe flooding in the county has led to a catastrophic breakdown and contamination of the main water supply.

Galway County Council says the situation is very serious and engineering teams are working around the clock to try to eliminate the contamination, it has issued boil water notices for two areas in the county.

Recent sampling results indicate that the mid-Galway regional water supply scheme became 'contaminated' during the recent deluge, which is still causing severe difficulties throughout the county.

A spokesman for the council said: "Galway County Council is concerned that the treatment plant has been compromised due to the recent flooding. Following discussion with the HSE a boil notice is being issued.

"Accordingly, in the interest of public health, it is recommended that all

users on the scheme boil water before use."

The boil water notice extends from Abbeyknockmoy in the north to Ballydavid in the south, Bracklooin in the east and Coolarn in the west. It also includes Monivea and Colemanstown, the local authority said yesterday.

Water must be boiled for drinking, preparation of salads and foods which are not cooked, teeth brushing and ice-making, the local authority says, and full details are on its website, www.galway.ie.

As the flooding in the county continues, the council have also issued warnings to drivers not to interfere with road signage such as traffic cones and reflectors that have been put in place by the Council.

"Essential road repairs being carried out on a number of roads. Motorists are asked to exercise caution," the spokesman added.

(DW/BMcc)