Urgent water safety warning for Dernakesh residents

Cavan County Council has issued an immediate Do Not Consume Notice for the Dernakesh Group Water Supply Scheme to safeguard public health. Residents must avoid using tap water for drinking, cooking, or dental care and use bottled water instead until further notice.

Following urgent advice from the Health Service Executive, Cavan County Council has implemented an immediate Do Not Consume Notice affecting all households on the Dernakesh Group Water Supply Scheme. This directive aims to protect residents from potential health risks posed by contaminated water.

Critical safety instructions: Residents must refrain from drinking water directly from taps or using it in any food or drink preparation, including washing salads, making ice, or brushing teeth. Importantly, boiling the water will not eliminate the dangers, so alternative safe water sources such as bottled water must be used.

Water from hot taps is also unsafe, and domestic filters will not purify the contaminated supply. Residents should discard all existing ice cubes and filtered water in fridges and freezers and only make new ice using safe water.

Permitted water uses include:

Flushing toilets
Personal hygiene such as showering and bathing
Laundry and dishwashing, although high manganese levels may impair machine performance

Special guidance for infant care: When preparing infant formula, only bottled water should be used. Avoid natural mineral water if possible due to its mineral content, but if necessary, it should be boiled for one minute before cooling. Ready-to-use formula that requires no added water is a safer alternative. Additional precautions: Householders are urged to exercise extreme caution when boiling water to prevent burns or scalds, particularly around children. Pet owners concerned about their animals’ exposure should consult a veterinarian. This notice remains in effect until further testing confirms the water supply is safe. For ongoing updates and advice, residents should monitor announcements from Cavan County Council.