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NI Water is investigating a localised water quality issue in the Meigh area of Newry.
A number of customers have reported an unusual smell, similar to petrol or oil, from tap water.
A 'Do Not Use Tap Water for Drinking or Cooking’ notice has been issued to 43 homes and bottled water has also been provided to all properties affected.
NI Water said: "This area was affected by a similar issue in 2015. At the time, NI Water identified that a third party spill of diesel/petrol had entered the distribution system which impacted water quality. Substantial work was undertaken at the time including replacing an air valve, pipe work and stop valves.
"As this situation has reoccurred, further investigations have uncovered a disused pipe, approximately 18 inches in length, which contained residual diesel/petrol. We have now disconnected this pipework from the system.
"We are also arranging to have a section of watermain and services replaced with barrier pipework to avoid any future ground contamination impacting on the water supply. NI Water is liaising with NIEA in relation to the ground contamination."
(LM)
