Uisce Éireann, following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), has introduced a Boil Water Notice for all customers served by the Galtee Regional Water Supply Scheme to protect public health. The notice was issued on 31 July 2026 and will remain in effect until updates are provided via Uisce Éireann's Supply and Service Updates and Water Quality webpages.

The notice applies to all areas on the Galtee Regional Public Water Supply, including Cashel and surrounding communities. A detailed map of the affected zone is available online. Customers can check if their property is included by entering their Eircode in the Water Quality section of the Uisce Éireann website or by calling the 24/7 customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.

The scheme has faced pronounced challenges this week due to a combination of reduced raw water availability at source and exceptionally high demand. Some customers have already experienced intermittent supplies, with night-time restrictions introduced to conserve water for daytime use. Critically low treated reservoir levels mean some households and businesses may encounter low pressure or temporary daytime outages.

Deterioration in raw water quality is affecting the plant's disinfection process, prompting the Boil Water Notice as a precautionary public health measure. Alternative water supplies are available at Emly GAA Club, Kilross Village car park, Lattin Cemetery, Cullen National School and Limerick Junction car park. Customers should bring their own containers and boil this water before drinking.

Uisce Éireann's Pierce Faherty said; "We recognise the difficulties and inconvenience experienced by customers across the Galtee Regional Water Supply Scheme. Uisce Éireann crews continue to work around the clock to restore normal water supplies and address the issues impacting the scheme. We thank customers for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period and want to assure them that every effort is being made to resolve the situation and have the Boil Water Notice lifted as quickly and as safely as possible."

Customers across the Galtee region are being asked to use water wisely and conserve wherever possible. Even small daily changes can help protect supplies and support the recovery of reservoir levels. Uisce Éireann is working to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible, in ongoing consultation with the HSE. However, with reservoir levels remaining low and the dry spell continuing, the disinfection challenge is likely to persist in the near term.

Uisce Éireann's drinking water standards, set under EU Drinking Water regulations, are stringent and include wide safety margins. Where risks are identified through enhanced testing and monitoring, the HSE is consulted and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. Immediate actions are taken to address the root cause so the notice can be lifted as soon as it is safe, with HSE agreement. Vulnerable customers registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct updates. Water is safe to consume once it has been boiled.

Water must be boiled for:

- Drinking

- Drinks prepared with water

- Preparing salads and other foods that are not cooked before eating

- Brushing teeth

- Making ice (discard existing ice and any filtered fridge water; make new ice using cooled boiled water)

Actions to take:

- Use water that has been boiled and cooled when preparing foods that will not be cooked (for example, washing salads)

- Tap water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing toilets, but not for brushing teeth or gargling

- Bring water to a vigorous, rolling boil (for example, using an automatic kettle), allow it to cool, then cover and store it in a refrigerator or a cold place. Do not drink water from the hot tap. Domestic water filters will not make water safe to drink

- Take care when bathing children to ensure they do not swallow bath water

- Infant formula: during a Boil Water Notice, you can prepare formula using tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water may also be used; avoid bottles labelled 'Natural Mineral Water' if possible due to potentially higher mineral content, though it can be used for a short time if no alternative is available. If using bottled water, boil it once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cool as normal. Ready-to-use formula that does not require added water can also be used

- Handle boiled water carefully to avoid burns and scalds, especially around children

Customers can stay informed 24/7 via the Uisce Éireann website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the customer care helpline (1800 278 278). A free text alert service providing real-time local updates is also available; sign up with your Eircode via the Water Service Updates page.