‘Worrying’ rust-like sediment appearing in tap water in North Leitrim

Concerns have been raised about the water quality in the Drumkeeran area over the past couple of weeks.

Cllr Mary Bohan told a meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District that she has occasionally noticed what appears to be pieces of rust in the water.

She said that if you pour a glass of water from the main tap and let it sit, it sometimes looks like there are pieces of rust in it.

She asked the Municipal District to request a full report from Uisce Éireann on both the water quality and the condition of the pipework in the Drumkeeran area.

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Cllr Bohan said the issue was particularly noticeable during the spell of hot weather a few weeks ago. 

“It happened a few days after each other a couple of weeks ago and then off and on since. If it’s happening at all, I think it’s something that needs to be checked out,” she said.

She added that when she filled a plastic bucket with water from the outside tap, there was a significant amount of rust-like sediment at the bottom. 

She described the situation as “worrying,” and expressed concern about using the water for household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.

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It was explained to Cllr Bohan that sediment can appear in the water supply after heavy rainfall or due to a burst pipe, which can allow sediment to enter the network.

Regardless of the cause, it was agreed that the matter would be referred to Uisce Éireann for investigation.