Uisce Éireann has issued a precautionary Boil Water Notice affecting approximately 4,697 customers supplied by the Macroom Public Water Supply following elevated turbidity levels and operational difficulties at the local treatment plant.
The notice, issued in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), comes as a combination of high turbidity levels and operational issues threaten to compromise the disinfection process that makes water safe to drink. The turbidity problem is largely attributed to seasonal weather changes affecting the incoming raw water supply.
Brian O’Leary, Uisce Éireann Regional Operations Manager, said:
“We acknowledge the frustration felt by the local community and the significant inconvenience that customers on this supply have experienced in recent years and would like to reassure those impacted that we are working as quickly and efficiently as possible to complete these vital upgrade works.”
Residents must boil water before using it for drinking, making beverages, food preparation, brushing teeth, and making ice. Water can still be used for bathing and personal hygiene, though parents should ensure children don’t swallow bath water. Particular care should be taken when preparing infant formula, with water requiring a rolling boil for one minute before cooling.
The water quality issues affecting Macroom are being addressed through a €6.5 million upgrade of the treatment plant, which began in April 2025. The comprehensive works, carried out by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann, are expected to be completed by summer 2026 and should resolve the recurring boil water notices that have plagued the area in recent years.
Customers can verify if their property is affected by visiting www.water.ie and entering their Eircode, or by calling the 24/7 customer care helpline on 1800 278 278. Vulnerable customers registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication about such notices.
Updates on the water supply situation are available on the Water Supply Updates section at www.water.ie, on X @IWCare, or through the customer helpline.