Inchiquin algal bloom leaves 1,800 high and dry

Water restrictions imposed on Thursday on two North Clare villages will continue over the weekend, Clare County Council has said.

A public water alert was issued after Inchiquin Lake was closed to public due to algal bloom.

An estimated 1,800 customers of the Corofin and Ruan Public Water Supply are being advised that water on the scheme is not suitable for drinking due to the presence of an algal bloom in the raw water for the supply at Inchiquin Lake. Clare County Council confirmed on Friday that restrictions will remain in place until at least Monday.

The algal bloom has arisen due to the extended period of dry weather, elevated temperatures and reduced water levels in the lake.

Water customers in Corofin town and its environs and in Ruan village, as well as customers of the Killeen Group Scheme Supply are affected by the alert which means the water is undrinkable and should not be used for personal hygiene including showering and brushing teeth.

The HSE, in conjunction with Irish Water and Clare County Council, is advising customers that tap water should not be used until further notice except for the flushing of toilets, flushing of internal house plumbing systems and laundry. Customers are also advised to discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers.

Drinking water tankers were provided from 10.30pm on Thursday night at the grotto in Corofin town and adjacent to the Dalcassion pub in Ruan village. These will remain in place over the weekend and tankers will also be provided at  Bofey Quinn’s pub, St Patrick’s Community Hall and opposite Kerry Agri in Corofin until Monday. The public is asked to bring their own containers and boil all tankered water before consumption.

Works will continue over the weekend to connect some of the affected customers to an alternative water supply.

More information will be available from the Irish Water website and the Irish Water Customer Contact Centre: 1890 278278. Clare County Council is asking pepole to advise Irish Water or Clare County Council of elderly people or those with disabilities who may require special assistance.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council is advising lake users and farmers with lands bordering Inchiquin Lake not to bathe in the lake or allow animals to enter the lake. Farmers and dog owners are also being advised not to allow their animals to drink from the lake. Further information can be obtained from Clare County Council’s Environment Section at 065 6846331.