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Council adamant that water is safe

Thursday, 29 May 2008

FINGAL County Council has moved to reassure Northside residents in relation to the quality of water in Dublin 15 following a report in last week’s Northside People.
The council has had a number of calls from concerned residents following our report which highlighted the concerns of local resident Conor Deane who believes his family’s skin conditions may have been caused by the quality of their water.
According to a spokesperson, the callers are concerned about the quality of their water “particularly with regard to the level of hardness in the water”.
“The quality of our drinking water in Fingal is assured firstly by a top class water production system at Leixlip and further by an ongoing system of water quality monitoring throughout our water distribution network,” a statement to the paper read.
“Both our plant and our distribution network are regularly independently audited by the Environmental Protection Agency. Residents need have no concerns regarding the quality of the public mains water supply in Fingal.”
Conor Deane says he was prompted to get his water tested after he, his wife and young baby began suffering from cracked and bleeding skin.
Mr Deane commissioned private water specialists, Acorn water, to examine a water sample.
“The water sample passed the majority of tests but a problem was detected in the sediment and the taste test,” he stated.
“The report indicates that the result of both tests fall below EU guideline and the problem needs to be addressed.”
According to Fingal County Council, the water that serves the Dublin 15 area would be considered to be moderately hard but is completely safe to use.
“Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, mainly calcium and magnesium,” the spokesperson explained.
“These minerals occur naturally in water and are not harmful.
“European water regulations set out parameters for measuring microbiological and chemical values in water, and the water supply in Fingal is regularly tested and audited to ensure it meets the required standards.
“The regulations, however, do not set out parameters for measuring calcium and magnesium, as they are not considered harmful to consume.”
The council spokesperson explained how some skin irritation can occur.
“Hard water combined with soap can cause minor skin irritations and consumers who are concerned about water hardness, can, if they so wish, install a water softening device on their internal plumbing network,” it was said.
“It is important to note, however, that such water softening devices need to be regularly maintained to a high standard to prevent contamination of the water supply.
“Local Authorities do not soften water as it can lead to increased levels of lead and copper and can remove chlorine residuals, which could lead to bacterial growth.”
Residents with any queries are asked to contact can Fingal County Council Water Services Department on 890 6210 or by email waterser This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it For out-of-office hours queries phone 873 1415.

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