UP to 300 householders in North Clare will have to continue boiling domestic water supplies for several more months at least.

Irish Water is undertaking work to introduce measures to protect the water sources after the detection of cryptosporidium in both the Turlough and Carron water supply earlier this year.

However, the utility has admitted that the work “is likely to take some time” and potentially it will be the end of the year before all of the work is complete.

Separate boil water notices were issued for the Carron Water Supply Scheme, which serves approximately 20 houses, on May 4 and the Turlough Water Supply Scheme, which serves approximately 260 households, on July 5. Both notices were put in place to protect customers due to the detection of cryptosporidium.

Irish Water stated that it is currently progressing with the installation of filtration and ultraviolet disinfection units in order to address the vulnerability of the water sources at both locations and to ensure an effective barrier to future cryptosporidium incidents is put in place.

“Following the installation of the units, Irish Water will undertake a series of water quality tests, which will be presented to the HSE and EPA, who have the ultimate decision on when a boil water notice can be lifted. It is likely to take some time and potentially [it will be] the end of the year before all our work is complete.

“We will continue to keep the community updated on our work and potential timelines and wish to apologise for the inconvenience caused,” Irish Water stated.