Almost half of the population of Co Longford is subject to a boil water notice which was issued on Thursday.
It comes after the cryptosporidium barrier at a treatment plant was compromised following a deterioration in the raw water quality of the lake source, Irish Water said.
Following consultation with the HSE, Irish Water and Longford County Council decided to issue a boil water notice for the area supplied by the Longford Central Public Water Supply to protect public health.
The population impacted by this notice is approximately 17,500 people. The areas affected include all customers in Longford Town, Newtown Forbes, Balinalee, part of Edgeworthstown, part of Drumlish, part of Killashee and surrounding areas.
Experts from Irish Water and Longford County Council are assessing the situation with a view to having the notice lifted as quickly as possible. In the meantime, all customers of this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.
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