Work is progressing in Cork city to address discolouration issues impacting the local water supply.

Ongoing testing and analysis of the water supply continues in conjunction with extensive monitoring across the cities distribution network ensuring the water is compliant with drinking water regulations and is safe to drink. The results of these test have been shared with the EPA and the HSE. 

In Ireland, drinking water can pass through several kilometres of pipework before it reaches homes and businesses. Some of this pipework is constructed from cast iron and, depending on the area, can be up to 100 years old. Old cast iron mains typically suffer from sediment being dislodged during repair or maintenance works, causing temporary discolouration of the water / the water to appear brown before it reaches customers' taps. Usually running the tap for several minutes will restore the clear colour. Irish Water would advise customers not to drink discoloured water.

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Most of the time, drinking water passes over this sediment unchanged. However, changes in flow, pressure or direction can dislodge this sediment and carry it through to your tap. This can cause your water to appear brown or orange and is more likely to occur when repair or maintenance works are being carried out on public water mains.

Extensive upgrade and improvement works to the water supply continue across Cork City, all of which can result in some short-term discoloration. It is not ideal, but it is a common occurrence throughout the country, particularly for those in Cork City as parts of the network are over 100 years old.