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Residents in the village of Roundstone, Co Galway, say they
are extremely concerned after an outbreak of the cryptosporidium
parasite in the water supply.
Galway County Council has advised householders to boil all
water before drinking it, using it for food preparation or
brushing teeth.
The council issued a statement, saying - 'Galway County
Council wishes to advise consumers of the Roundstone Public
Water Scheme and Inishnee and Errisbeg Group Water Schemes
that a recent sample shows the water contains trace elements
of cryptosporidium and does not comply with the Drinking Water
Standards.
Accordingly, in the interest of public health, it is recommended
that all users of the supplies listed above, boil water before
use. If you are unsure of the source of your water supply,
it is advised to boil your water as precautionary measure'.
Businessman Michael Reynolds said that, while there are only
200 houses in the village, the area attracts up to 8,000 people
during the height of the tourist season and there is extreme
concern over this latest outbreak.
Roundstone hotel owner, Ann Conneely told RTÉ News
she fears the area's tourist industry will be devastated by
the latest outbreak. She said there were up to 7,000
people - including a large number of holidaymakers - in the
area last weekend and all of them will be faced with major
problems throughout the tourist season, unless the problem
is resolved immediately.
She added that those involved in the hotel, guesthouse and
catering industry in the area were concerned that it could
take several months to get a safe water supply for the village.
She said that the council must take immediate steps to find
a way of bringing a safe water supply to Roundstone and the
area affected by the latest water crisis.
Galway County Council's Director of Services, Jim Cullen,
said there had been no reports of any illnesses due to the
contamination of the water supply. However, he stated that
the boil notice had to be put in place because public health
considerations had to take priority over any inconvenience
which might be caused to householders and business premises.
Mr Cullen added that the village's water supply source was
not ideal and the council was planning to upgrade the water
plant there with improved filtration. He could not, however,
speculate as to how long this work would take, but the council
was hoping to have the boil notice lifted before the tourist
season began.
Tests are being carried out to try to establish whether the
contamination came from human or animal sources.
To view the Boil Water Notice - Click
Here
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