Two Kilkenny water sources abandoned, 16,000 exposed to dangerous pollutants

By COLIN BARTLEY

TWO water sources in Kilkenny had to be abandoned after dangerously high levels of environmental pollutants were discovered in the water.

Dangerously high levels of trihalomethanes were recorded at Kilkenny City’s Radestown Water supply and Inistioge (pictured above) from where 16,000 local residents get their drinking supplies.

Trihalomethanes occur when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring dissolved organic material in the water.

Both water supplies have been abandoned. The affected areas were instead switched to a nearby source.

The entire city of Kilkenny’s water is now being supplied from the Troyswood water supply. Inistioge is supplied from Thomastown’s water source.

A spokesperson for Irish Water confirmed to KilkennyNow.ie today: “Irish Water is taking action to remove the risk of elevated levels of THMs forming in all public water supplies.

“We have initiated a programme to improve water quality through investment in water services infrastructure, and are targeting specific Water Supply Zones where the risk of elevated THMs are highest.

“We are also upgrading and optimising the treatment processes at all water treatment plants across the country.

“We plan to reduce the number of schemes on the EPA’s Remedial Action List, including those with THM exceedances, to zero with an investment of €327 million committed to upgrading water supplies at risk from THMs.”