Thousands of households in east Cork have been issued a boil water notice amid concerns that the water supply in the area may be contaminated.
Irish Water and Cork County Council issued the boil water notice to properties on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply Scheme.
"On the advice of the Health Service Executive and as a precautionary measure pending further investigation, a boil water notice is being issued," said Irish Water and Cork County Council.
People affected must boil water being used for drinking, preparing uncooked food, brushing teeth and making ice.
The areas affected include Midleton southeast, Ballinacurra, Cloyne, Aghada, Whitegate, Ballycotton, Churchtown, Trabolgan and all surrounding rural areas in east Cork.
It is the second time this year Irish Water and Cork County Council have issued a boil water notice for the Whitegate Regional Water Supply Scheme and follows a similar warning on January 1st.
On that occasion, the HSE advised the issuing of the notice was a result of high turbidity - or an increase in the amount of particulates - in the spring source which supplies the Whitegate system.
The increase in turbidity followed continuous heavy rains in east Cork and water used for drinking, food preparation, the brushing of teeth and making of ice needs to be boiled, said Irish Water.
Regarding the most recent boil water notice, Irish Water and Cork County Council advise that they will continue to liaise with the HSE with a view to lifting the boil water notice as soon as practicable.
Householders are advised to check for updates on the Irish Water website, www.water.ie, or thorugh its customer contact line on 1890 278 278.
