Tests confirm presence of Cryptosporidium in Westport water supply

Tests confirm presence of Cryptosporidium in Westport water supply
 

Outbreak Control Team has been put in place??
 
Michael Duffy
 
Irish Water has confirmed this evening (Thursday) that tests carried out on the Westport Public Water Supply have revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium in the town’s water system.
A boil water notice has been in place in Westport since, Wednesday, May 6, as a precaution due to the fact that eight cases of Cryptosporidium were detected in the area.
Since then, efforts have been made to trace the source of the eight cases, and this evening’s statement from Irish Water has confirmed the presence of the disease in the town’s water supply, meaning the boil water notice strictly remains in place.
“Irish Water is continuing to work closely with the HSE and Mayo County Council to identify and address the source of the Cryptosporidium outbreak in the Westport area. Water quality samples returned in recent days have confirmed that Cryptosporidium has been detected in the Westport Public Water Supply,” said an Irish Water spokesperson. “Investigations are continuing throughout the water network to identify any issues. An Outbreak Control Team chaired by the HSE, has been set up to manage this incident with senior representatives from Irish Water, the HSE and Mayo County Council.
“Irish Water will continue to provide regular updates through local media outlets on progress being made to allow the boil water notice in Westport to be lifted. The lifting of the notice is subject to the HSE and EPA being satisfied that there is no risk to customers from the water supply and that all relevant procedures have been followed,” added the spokesperson.?Irish Water and Mayo County Council have apologised to all affected customers for the inconvenience and disruption the imposition of this boil water notice has caused.
For more on this story, see www.mayonews.ie tomorrow.