PUBLIC ALERT: Babies at threat from tap water in county Kilkenny town

Parents in a Kilkenny town have been told to stop using water from the taps after it was found to contain particles harmful to their babies.

The warning has been issued to residents of the Gowran-Abbeygrove Development by Kilkenny County Council following consultation with the Health Service Executive.

It comes after increased levels of nitrates, harmful to toddlers, were detected in the development’s private water supply.

A statement released by Kilkenny County Council said: “Following consultation with the HSE, consumers of the Gowran-Abbeygrove Development Small Private Supply are notified that water on this scheme is not suitable for consumption by babies under age of six months. This is due to elevated levels of nitrates in the water supply.”

Further testing of the scheme is currently being undertaken.

However, the council said they do not know when the advisory will be lifted.

“We do not know at present. Kilkenny County Council will continue to liaise with the HSE with a view to lifting the drinking water restrictions as soon as practicable.

“Further information will be issued on completion of additional water testing on this local supply,” the statement added.

Abbeygrove is a private development in the centre of Gowran and is also home to a private nursing home.