THE QUALITY OF contaminated water supplies for around 1,400 homes in north Dublin “continues to improve”, according to the city council.

However, precautions remain in place for residents who are being advised to boil any water used for drinking or cooking.

Testing is continuing on water samples from the St Lawrence’s district meter area (DMA), which sparked alarm over the weekend when raised levels of coliform bacteria were found.

The council has reiterated that no e. coli – a bacterium which can cause serious gastrointestinal problems – has been detected in any sample tested.

Water mains are being disinfected by Dublin City Council teams until tests show bacteria in the water have returned to below regulation levels.

A council statement said:

In conjunction with the HSE, Dublin City Council confirms that the precautionary advice for people in the St Lawrence’s DMA remains in place i.e. to boil water for drinking or cookingwhile supplementary tests are undertaken and while the system is cleaned.

Water tankers are being used to supply clean drinking water to residents of the area. They were in place at the junction of Castle Avenue and Kincora Avenue, and the St Lawrence and Howth Roads, until 9pm last night and were due back at  6am this morning.

Read: Clontarf water disruption: DCC says water can be boiled for use>