A PUBLIC WATER alert has been issued by the HSE, Irish Water and Clare Co Council, for 1,800 residents in Co Clare.

Customers of the Corofin and Ruan Public Water Supply have been warned that their water is not suitable for drinking, showering or brushing their teeth, due to the presence of “algal bloom” in the supply at Inchiquin Lake.

In a joint statement this afternoon, the three agencies have explained the restrictions, which they say are likely to remain in place until Monday at the earliest:

The algal bloom has arisen due to the extended period of dry weather, elevated temperatures and reduced water levels in the lake.

Water customers in Corofin town and its environs and in Ruan village, as well as customers of the Killeen Group Scheme Supply are affected by the alert.

Affected residents are advised that water should only be used to flush toilets or for internal house plumbing and laundry, and that they should throw out ice cubes from their freezers.

According to the statement, works will be continuing over the weekend to try and connected water customers to an alternative water supply.

For now, though, drinking water tankers are in place from today until Monday, at the following locations:

• Outside Bofey Quinns pub, Corofin
• St Patrick’s Community Hall, Gort Road, Corofin
• Opposite Kerry Agri at the Ennistymon Junction, Corofin
• Grotto in Corofin town
• Adjacent to the Dalcassion pub in Ruan village

Members of the public are advised to bring their own containers and boil all water from the tankers before consumption.

For updates on the public water alert, affected residents can consult www.water.ie, or call the Irish Water Customer Contact Centre on 1890-278-278.

Residents are also asked to inform Irish Water or Clare Co Council about an elderly or disabled people who may need special assistance.

Clare Co Council has also warned residents not to bathe in Lake Inchiquin, and local farmers are instructed not to allow their animals to drink from it.

Read: Drinking water alert issued in Clare by HSE, county council>

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