Reported cases of gastrointestinal illness related to contaminated water are still rising in Galway, as efforts continue to find the source of the problem.
Some 79 cases have now been recorded by the incident response team involving the Health Service Executive (HSE) West and Galway city and county councils - a rise of 19 cases since midweek.
Medical experts believe that is just a fraction of total cases caused by the cryptosporidium parasite in the city and county.
Galway city and county councils say they are making every effort to identify the source of the problem, believed to be somewhere in the vicinity of the Corrib, which has led to a public health alert involving some 90,000 people. The "boil water" notice issued on March 15th is expected to remain in place indefinitely in the city and parts of the county extending to Tuam, Athenry and Moycullen.
A water treatment "package" is also being considered in relation to the waterworks which tested positive for the parasite at Headford, Co Galway, and at Terryland in the city.
However, Galway City Council director of services Ciarán Hayes said water rationing - which would facilitate closure of the old Terryland waterworks - was "not being considered at all at this stage".
Environmental health officers with HSE West are due to meet managers of swimming pools early next week, and the industry representing leisure facilities has said that all centres holding "white flag" certification are "risk-free".
ILAM, the industry body for sports, fitness, aquatic facilities, spas and wellness, said it wished to reassure the public that it was safe to use the white flag centres.
White flag swimming pools Galway:
Ardilaun Leisure Club; Days Leisure Club; Leisureland; Spirit One, Radisson SAS; Kingfisher Club, Renmore; Clifden Station House Hotel; Club Vitae, Quality Hotel; Shannon Oaks Hotel and Country Club, Portumna; Oranmore Lodge Hotel and Leisure Club; Aura Leisure Centre, Tuam
