Levels of aluminium and fluoride in Co Clare public water supplies are a cause for concern, according to a Mid-Western Health Board re port, writes Eibhir Mulqueen, in Limerick.
Mr James Conway, assistant chief executive, stated at yesterday's health board meeting that the possibility of an investigation into "the high level of fluoride exceedances" had been discussed with the county council.
Colouring and excessive iron were evident in supplies in Lisdoonvara, but a replacement water supply for the town was imminent. The incidence of coliform organisms in group schemes, indicating faecal contamination, was of concern, he added.
According to the report on Co Clare, 11 fluoride samples out 112 exceeded permitted levels but "only one of these samples was more than 10 per cent over the MAC [maximum allowable concentrations]". Water samples were taken by the local authorities in the midwest, which takes in Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary.