Recent drinking water scares

Roscommon town:

Roscommon town:

In July, a single case of E.coli contamination was discovered in the water supply at the town's hospital. Rigorous testing since has not detected the presence of E.coli. While a public warning was not issued, Roscommon Hospital used bottled water for a time.

Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo:

Earlier this month, Mayo County Council issued a "notice to boil" to residents in Ballyhaunis following the discovery of E.coli in the public water supply. The notice was removed after a week and there has not been evidence of E.coli in the water since.

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Portrane, Co Dublin:

Fingal County Council was forced to supply tankers of cold water to St Ita's Hospital in Portrane following E.coli contamination of water in one area of the hospital last summer.

Connemara, Co Galway:

E.coli contamination of a group water scheme in the Knock/Inverin area was recorded in 1998 and "notices to boil" were issued. Heavy rainfall preceded the contaminations and it was thought that animal waste could have been washed into the group scheme supply. Group water schemes in rural areas have been shown to be particularly susceptible to contamination, usually because of poor or no disinfection.