GALWAY HAS been affected by a second serious drinking water alert in less than 18 months, following detection of high lead levels in some houses in the city. An emergency meeting convened by Galway's mayor, Padraig Conneely (FG), briefed councillors on the situation last night.
The levels were confirmed during recent testing in Old Mervue, Shantalla, Bohermore and the Claddagh, where lead piping is still installed in many properties built before 1970.
Galway City Council has advised residents in Old Mervue, where "very high levels" of lead were detected, not to drink the water until further notice.
Efforts were being made last night to contact residents in 12 houses in the affected areas to offer repeat testing and medical consultations.
HSE West public health director Dr Diarmuid O'Donovan said further tests would be carried out immediately.
Boiling water does not remove lead, the local authority has warned. Over-exposure to lead can damage the nervous and reproductive systems and kidneys, and can cause high blood pressure and anaemia.
It is particularly harmful to the developing brains of babies and to young children, and consequences may include learning disabilities and behavioural problems, according to the World Health Organisation. At very high levels, lead can cause convulsions, coma and death.
Plumbing and service pipes installed in buildings constructed over 40 years ago is believed to be the cause of the contamination. Galway City Council stresses that water leaving its treatment works "does not contain lead and is of very high quality".
The council has advised pregnant women or carers of children under six years of age living or staying in houses built before 1970 to flush pipes as a precaution.
Cold water kitchen taps should be left running to fill sinks, particularly first thing in the morning or if water has not been used for more than six hours, it says.
If such precautions are taken, tap water can be "used for drinking until further notice", it says, and tap water is "safe for bathing, showering, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and clothes even if homes have lead service pipes".
Last year, more than 90,000 people were forced to boil water due to contamination caused by the cryptosporidium parasite. An estimated 2,000 people became ill. A month after the alert was lifted, E coli was also detected in water supplying parts of the city. A boil water notice continues to apply in some areas.