This article is from page 7 of the 2006-04-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 7 JPG
A SLIGHT rise in the levels of the parasite cryptosporidium present in the Ennis water supply has prompted Ennis Town Council to re-issue a warning over water usage.
The council has reissued the notice after tests revealed increased levels of cryptosporidium in the water supply servicing Ennis and its surrounding environs. A period of heavy rainfall is being blamed for the rise.
The council took the precautionary measure to remind members of the public that infants, pre-school children and immuno-compromised patients, should not drink the water.
“The notice is only a reminder there has been absolutely no change in the status,” said Ennis Town Engineer Tom Tiernan.
No cases of human crytosporidiosis have been notified to Ennis Town Council, or to the Health Services Executive. In July 2005, a notice was issued to all households stating Ennis Public Water Supply was considered a high-risk supply for Cryptosporidium presence.
A temporary water treatment plant for the town is expected to be completed by May, while tender documents for a permanent €13 million water treatment facility for Ennis recently received Departmental approval.