Last November the local papers reported that small levels of cryptosporidium had been found in the Millstreet water supply, despite the fact that an assessment in 2015 rated the risk of cryptosporidium as “very high”. The EPA recommended that even though there was no immediate health risk, Irish Water should install an adequate barrier against the parasite to ensure the town’s water supply is adequately disinfected at all times.
Thankfully Irish Water are reporting today that “Upgrade works are underway in Millstreet in North Cork to provide a new UV disinfection system at the treatment plant.” [theCork.ie]
Now, since UV disinfection replaces chlorine disinfection in other locations, wouldn’t it be great if this meant that our water will taste better when the install in completed 🙂 (Our water is disinfected by chlorination and fluoridation)
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North Cork water supply contaminated – A boil water notice has been put in place during the works: “Contractors were appointed last month (April) to put in place two ultraviolet disinfection units, micro filters, and ancillary works at the plant at a cost of €210,000 and work has now begun on site to install the system.” – Irish Examiner (20th May 2017)
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(Nov 2016): Potentially dangerous organisms have been found in the supply of drinking water to the North Cork town of Millstreet on five occasions over the past two months.
A recent audit of Millstreet’s water supply by the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that cryptosporidium — a parasite that causes gastroenteritis — had been detected on two dates in September.
The HSE said there had been no reported cases in the area of anyone suffering any illness associated with drinking infected water.
The EPA found there was no treatment facility in place to prevent against cryptosporidium during the inspection, despite the fact that an assessment of the Millstreet water supply in 2015 rated the risk of cryptosporidium as “very high”.
It has recommended that Irish Water should install an adequate barrier against the parasite to ensure the town’s water supply is adequately disinfected at all times.
“Irish Water needs to prioritise the installation of a cryptosporidium barrier in order to ensure the safety and security of Millstreet public water supply,” said the EPA.
It has added the town’s supply to its remedial action list because of the inadequate treatment for cryptosporidium.
The audit was carried out after the parasite was detected in the Millstreet water supply on September 20 and 28.
Three further reports of cryptosporidium were detected on dates in October since the EPA audit. Irish Water said an investigation into the cause of the infection was ongoing. It confirmed no unusual activities were found in the catchment area of the spring prior to the detection of cryptosporidium.
The EPA has instructed Irish Water to liaise with Cork County Council to ensure farm and septic tank inspections are carried out on houses near the spring.
It has also advised Irish Water to ensure the source is made secure and fenced off to prevent animal access and ensure that the gates are kept closed at all times.
The supply provides 2,200 cubic metres of water on a daily basis to a population of 3,800 in the Millstreet area.
The Tubrid water supply provides 2,200 cubic metres of water on a daily basis to a population of 3,800 in the Millstreet area.
Drinking water supplies for Millstreet are disinfected by chlorination and fluoridation.
– from Parasites found in town’s supply of drinking water
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- Irish Examiner: Parasites found in town’s supply of drinking water (28 November 2016)
- The Corkman: Crypto Parasite in Millstreet Drinking Water (1st December 2016)
- The Corkman: Irish Water moves to calm concerns following discovery of crypto parasite in Millstreet supply (8th December 2016)
