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The Irish Sun

Thousands of Irish hit with ‘not safe to drink' boil water notice as 5 actions to take NOW revealed after safety update

THOUSANDS of Irish people have been warned that it is "not safe to drink" water from their taps until an all clear is given. Those in the affected areas must "boil and cool" the water before drinking it, preparing food or brushing their teeth due to possible "inadequate disinfection" at the plant and leaving the reservoir. Advertisement The notice, issued by Uisce Eireann, affects 13 areas in Co However, the notice only applies to consumers supplied by the Limerick City and Environs in Limerick City, Corbally, Mill Road, Moyross, Long Pavement, Westbury, Parteen, Larkins Cross, Ardnacrusha, Shannon Banks, Knocklisheen and Clonlara. Irish Water also warned that the entire county of Clare is affected by the notice, if they're supplied by Limerick City and Environs. All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking. Advertisement READ MORE IRISH NEWS Eoin O'Connell from Uisce Eireann said they are working to resolve the issue and lift the notice "as quickly as possible". He said: "Public health is Uisce Eireann's number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health. "We acknowledge the inconvenience caused to homes and businesses and would like to assure customers that we are working to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly and as safely possible." To comply with the notice, you must bring your kettle to a rigorous boil for one minute, for example in an electric kettle. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN You can then allow the water to cool before use and fill a container with the boiled water, storing it somewhere cool like your fridge. People are only just realising what the numbers on a kettle actually mean Be very careful when handling hot or boiling water. Accidents like burns and scalds can easily happen, especially with children. Uisce Eireann has warned that water must be boiled for: Drinking Drinks made with water Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating Brushing of teeth Making of ice. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water. You should also avoid giving tap water to your pet while the notice in place. Advertisement It's ok to continue using tap water while showering, bathing and flushing the toilet. However, you should make sure babies or children don't drink or swallow their bath water while a boil notice is in place. ACTIONS TO TAKE UISCE Eireann has prepared a guide for actions that should be taken while the boil water notice is in place. Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water INFANT FORMULA You can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once, at a rolling boil for one minute, and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. Advertisement All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as 'Natural Mineral Water' as it can have high levels of sodium and other minerals, although it rarely does. 'Natural Mineral Water' can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once, at rolling boil for one minute, and cooled in the normal way. Advertisement Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used. 1 Those affected must boil water from the tap before drinking it Credit: Getty Images