RESIDENTS in Clonea Power were once again greeted with discoloured water when they turned on their taps last week.
The sight of black water brought back bad memories for many residents and generated anger and confusion as assurances had been given that the persistent problem of Clonea Power’s water quality had been resolved.
There has been a long-standing issue in the Clonea area with high levels of manganese in the water source which resulted in discolouration of the water.
To address this, the water supply for Clonea Power has recently been switched to a new source in Rathgormack.
This was carried out as part of a project by Irish Water and Waterford City & County Council to upgrade the Water Treatment Plant in Rathgormack, install 7.5km of new watermain and decommission a number of older water treatment plants in the area which were no longer fit for purpose.
Discoloured water in a Clonea Power home
It’s hoped this will result in a much improved water supply for people in Monadiha, Feddans, Clonea Power, Clonea O’Sullivan and Whitestown.
However, when the switchover took place last week it resulted in discoloured water once again flowing from taps in local homes. Irish Water confirmed that the switchover to the new supply “may have resulted in deposits of manganese which had built up in the old network becoming dislodged and leading to temporary discolouration of some customers’ water”.
A spokesperson said extensive scouring of the pipes was carried out in order to flush out the network and remove these old manganese deposits.
“The situation has now improved considerably and we are continuing to monitor the supply and address any issues as they arise,” he said.
“However, as there may be deposits of manganese built up over many years in private side pipework and in attic tanks, it may take some time for the discolouration to be removed completely.”
Local Councillors received many representations on the issue throughout the past week.
Cllr Declan Clune (SF) said there were varying reports on the quality of the water.He said many residents were unaware that the connection to the new supply was taking place last week.
“There is a combination of frustration and disappointment,” he said.“Many thought the problem would have been resolved straight away with the new supply.”
Cllr Seanie Power (FG) said he was also disappointed to hear reports of poor water quality as he has “fought tooth and nail” in recent years to ensure the new supply became a reality.
He also said many residents didn’t realise that the new supply was being turned on last week.However, he also said he is confident that these issues will be resolved.
Irish Water said it apologises for any inconvenience to customers in the area while the new supply is being brought online.
Should customers experience serious discolouration or other supply issues, they are asked to contact 1850 278 278 so that outstanding issues in the network can be identified and addressed.