RAISED LEVELS of arsenic have been found in a private group water scheme supplying mainly holiday homes on the Iveragh peninsula in Co Kerry. Well owners in the area have been asked to test their drinking water supplies.
The opposite headland, the Beara peninsula across the Kenmare River may also be affected, according to the council.
About 70 houses are affected in the Tahilla and Rossdohan Group scheme near Sneem.
The arsenic was uncovered during routine tests carried out by Kerry County Council, according to a statement issued by the council's spokesman yesterday.
Arsenic, he said, was a naturally occurring substance in the area and the levels were just slightly above what was acceptable under EU drinking water regulations.
The HSE has advised that at these levels, it is unlikely to result in any adverse health effects. The council has told the householders - 25 of whom are permanent residences - not to use the water for drinking or cooking purposes.
"However, as the arsenic detected is naturally occurring, coming from the bedrock in the ground, Kerry County Council is advising that people using private wells should have their drinking water tested as a precautionary measure."
The issue appears to be confined to the Iveragh and Beara peninsulas. All of Kerry County Council's public water supplies have been tested, "and there is no issue in relation to the public water supply", the spokesman added. The council was putting in a treatment unit to the Rossdohan scheme to be in place around Halloween.
Anyone seeking information in relation to private testing or other advice can contact Kerry County Council's water services department at 066-718 3716.