Galway's latest "boil water" notice has been lifted, following a third consecutive clear test for E.coli contamination.
Galway City Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE) West confirmed yesterday evening that the precautionary measure was no longer necessary for some 15,000 residents in the Knocknacarra, Kingston and Rahoon areas of the city.
The contamination was identified during weekly E.coli testing a week ago, but the HSE West was only informed by e-mail last Wednesday evening. Councillors have criticised the delay, and have been promised a special meeting on water issues by city council management next Monday. The meeting is expected to hear reports on both the recent E.coli incident, which has been attributed to work during a planned diversion of water supplies in the Knocknacarra area, and on the five-month cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the city and county area.
The council said yesterday that the E.coli was detected as a result of its "comprehensive sampling and monitoring regime carried out throughout the water distribution network", and says remedial measures were taken immediately.
Infrastructural works in the Clybaun Road which caused the problem "will continue to be closely monitored in order to ensure a high quality water supply", it says.