Uisce Éireann undertaking further flushing works in Cork city

Uisce Éireann is undertaking further flushing works in areas of Cork city today as part of efforts to improve water quality for homes and businesses.

The works commenced this morning and are expected to continue until 4pm.

Flushing is taking place in the following areas:

• Melbourne Road, Woburn and surrounding areas
• Hollywood Estate, Millstream and Hollymount and surrounding areas 
• Farranferris and surrounding areas 
• Glenheights Park, Glenthorn and surrounding areas 
• Copper Hill, Beaumount and surrounding areas 
• Templeacre Avenue, Chapel Field, Upper Cathedral Road and surrounding areas 

The water utility company said that, as works progress through the area, signage will be put in place.

It said the flushing is “part of the work of Uisce Éireann’s dedicated water quality taskforce that continues to address water discolouration issued for affected customers across the city”.

“Our goal is to minimise the instances of discolouration for the people where reports of discolouration have been received,” water operations lead for Uisce Éireann, Sean Lynch, said.

“Areas are prioritised based on customer feedback and reports directly to our customer care team.” 

The programme of works involves isolating and flushing small sections of the water network to clear any build-up of sediment from the old cast iron pipes.

Uisce Éireann said clearing the pipes can result in sediment carrying through to customers’ taps “resulting in increased instances of discoloured water in the short-term”.

The company thanked customers for their patience and said it regrets any inconvenience caused.

People have been advised not to drink discoloured water, and in the event of discolouration, to run the tap for up to 20 minutes which Uisce Éireann said will usually restore water to a clear colour.

“The water is safe to drink once running clear.

“If the issue remains unresolved, we encourage customers to contact us directly.

“The customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

“Customers reporting instances of discolouration help us to determine flushing locations on the network,” the company added.

For more information and advice, visit www.water.ie/help/water-quality/discoloured-water/.