Mains discolouration.

Xithus

Hi. Could you explain what exactly mains discolouration means? I live in Mullagh, Co. Cavan. The water is yellow (I assume from the mains flushing in Bailieborough)

It’s been like that for a few weeks now. Is the water safe to use?

Many thanks.

Irish Water: Mairead

Hi Xithus,

Thanks for getting in touch.

Discolouration can occur after works take place in an area and the best way to remedy this is to run your cold, kitchen tap for 10 -15 minutes. This will help to flush out your system. We only recommend drinking water from your cold, kitchen tap when it is completely clear.

If the discolouration of your supply persists, please sent a PM with your name, address and contact number and we can help. You can also find more information on this on our website.

Thanks,
Mairead

Xithus

Irish Water: Mairead wrote: »

Hi Xithus,

Thanks for getting in touch.

Discolouration can occur after works take place in an area and the best way to remedy this is to run your cold, kitchen tap for 10 -15 minutes. This will help to flush out your system. We only recommend drinking water from your cold, kitchen tap when it is completely clear.

If the discolouration of your supply persists, please sent a PM with your name, address and contact number and we can help. You can also find more information on this on our website.

Thanks,
Mairead

Thanks Mairead, I've sent you a PM.

Irish Water: Mairead

Hi Xithus,

Thanks for the update and a member of our team will be in touch in due course.

We have received an update from our crews who are carrying out mains flushing in the area until 5pm on 4 December to try and resolve this discolouration. You can see more on our website.

Thanks,
Mairead

Xithus

Thanks Mairead.

Would it be possible to get some clarification on what that is exactly? The website doesn't mention if its safe to use or not for drinking, cleaning etc.

Irish Water: Mairead

Hi Xithus,

Flushing is an exercise to remove sediment, rust and other particles that have accumulated in the water pipes. Flushing is achieved by opening hydrants on the network; this has the effect of increasing the velocity of flow of water in a section of the pipeline, in a controlled manner, so as to bring sediments that are lying in the bottom of the pipeline into suspension. The water with suspended sediments is then discharged through hydrants, to drains. The material discharged is harmless though may cause temporary discoloration of the surfaces and needs no special treatment. When the water eventually runs clear through the pipeline the line has been effectively flushed.

We only recommend drinking water once it is completely clear and hope this is resolved for you shortly.

Thanks,
Mairead

Xithus

Irish Water: Mairead wrote: »

Hi Xithus,

Flushing is an exercise to remove sediment, rust and other particles that have accumulated in the water pipes. Flushing is achieved by opening hydrants on the network; this has the effect of increasing the velocity of flow of water in a section of the pipeline, in a controlled manner, so as to bring sediments that are lying in the bottom of the pipeline into suspension. The water with suspended sediments is then discharged through hydrants, to drains. The material discharged is harmless though may cause temporary discoloration of the surfaces and needs no special treatment. When the water eventually runs clear through the pipeline the line has been effectively flushed.

We only recommend drinking water once it is completely clear and hope this is resolved for you shortly.

Thanks,
Mairead

Thanks for the information Mairead. Is the water save to us for showering etc? It’s very yellow at the moment.

If I could also offer some feedback, the notice on the website could perhaps go into more detail like what you’ve said above. Many thanks.

Irish Water: Niamh

Hi Xithus,

Xithus wrote: »

Irish Water: Mairead wrote: »

Hi Xithus,

Flushing is an exercise to remove sediment, rust and other particles that have accumulated in the water pipes. Flushing is achieved by opening hydrants on the network; this has the effect of increasing the velocity of flow of water in a section of the pipeline, in a controlled manner, so as to bring sediments that are lying in the bottom of the pipeline into suspension. The water with suspended sediments is then discharged through hydrants, to drains. The material discharged is harmless though may cause temporary discoloration of the surfaces and needs no special treatment. When the water eventually runs clear through the pipeline the line has been effectively flushed.

We only recommend drinking water once it is completely clear and hope this is resolved for you shortly.

Thanks,
Mairead

Thanks for the information Mairead. Is the water save to us for showering etc? It’s very yellow at the moment.

If I could also offer some feedback, the notice on the website could perhaps go into more detail like what you’ve said above. Many thanks.

Showering is safe with this supply; however, we would only advise consuming water which is clear and colourless in appearance.

Also, thanks for your feedback and we will be sure to pass this on to the relevant department.

Kind regards,
Niamh