Muff residents were urged this month to boil their tap water because it has become contaminated. The warning from Donegal County Council was issued on 18 September to all households, businesses and water consumers in the Muff area and the area served from Drumhaggart Reservoir (from Rock Bar to Village to Diver's Builders).
A recent analysis of the drinking water supply revealed that the level of bacterial contamination was above the limits set out in the current drinking water legislation. In a press release the council state, "This means you must boil all water to be used for the following purposes: drinking, food preparation, making ice, brushing teeth and care must be taken when bathing small children to ensure they do not ingest water. Great care must also be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds and accidents can easily happen, especially with children."
The council has consulted with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSE NI), and has been advised that boiling water is in the best interests of the public. They will continue to monitor the water supply and keep people informed through the media.
In other contamination news, a County Antrim farmer's land has been contaminated with E.coli. The discovery was made in Ballymoney after recent floods subsided. Farmer Richard Thompson noticed that once the water had drained away, grass started to die. Laboratory tests subsequently revealed high levels of E.coli, meaning the grass will have to be dumped as it is too dangerous to feed to livestock.
