Irish Water says no more ‘white worms' in Carriagline supply

A COMPLAINT by a customer in Carrigaline that they found white worms in their water supply has prompted a response from Irish Water this week.

Following a complaint received from a member of the public in relation to the detection of an organism in their drinking water, Irish Water immediately contacted the HSE, the utility said this week, adding: ‘It was confirmed that the organism detected does not pose a risk to human health.’

An EPA audit was completed at Inniscarra Water Treatment Plant on July 12th, in response to the complaint. Samples were taken at the property and at adjoining properties. No further organisms were detected. Irish Water further stated that additional samples were taken at the plant, where organisms were detected in one of the eight  filters used to treat water at the plant. 

‘The filter bed was taken out of use immediately. A number of measures were then implemented in response, including disinfection of the filter bed, backwashing of filters and flushing of mains to eradicate the organisms detected and prevent reoccurrence. A significant amount of water quality sampling has been carried out at the plant as well as in the network and no traces of the organism have been detected since the initial occurrence,’ it added.

Irish Water has explained that surface waters contain many organisms and natural elements. In public water treatment, complex processes are designed to remove all harmful organisms and elements to ensure EU drinking water limits are met. ‘It is important to note that this is a rare occurrence,’ it said, in a statement issued to The Southern Star.

‘In the case of the audit for Inniscarra on 12th July, Irish Water has issued responses to the respective audit reports, and is continuing to update the EPA with a view to closing out all recommendations.’