South Wicklow Water Supply Contaminated

Water supplies in the south Wicklow villages of Carnew, Shillelagh and Tinahely were contaminated last week with residents warned not to use tap water for drinking, food preparation or even washing. The county council turned off the supply at the

Carnew, Shillelagh and Tinahely were affected

mains and brought water to the affected areas by tanker.

The sources of the contamination remains unknown but since the contamination is organic it likely to involve either a spillage of agricultural slurry or leakage from a septic tank. Francis Fanning, a local farmer who is chair of the IFA's environment committee, has criticised council suggestions that the source of the contamination is likely agricultural. He pointed out that the contaminated water system flows through residential areas, towns without sewage plants and forestry. "I would be the first to look for the full rigours of the law to be applied if a farmer was to blame", he said.

Local residents who have been affected criticised the council's notification procedures. "Council officials went from door

The source of the contamination remains unknown

to door telling people, and the next day there was a leaflet drop", said one. "But what would happen if somebody was out when the council official called?"

This contamination comes after EU criticism of Ireland's record in protecting its streams and rivers from pollution. Agricultural runoff and leakage from septic tanks are responsible for much contamination of water supplies around the country.