An outbreak of harmful bug, E-Coli has sparked a second boil water notice to residents in Pallasgreen, County Limerick by Limerick County Council, following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Earlier this week, the local authority issued a similar public alert to more than 150 domestic and non-domestic customers of the Rockhill Public Rockhill Public Water Supply.

100 households are affected by the new public water notice in areas including Knockanea, Grange West, Knockeen, Ballyart, Castle-erkin, Woodfarm, Dromkeen, Drombane, Sunville, Garranemore, Dromlara, Lisheen, Ballyvoneen, Brackylea and Linfield.

According to Paul Crowe, Director of Services, Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, the introduction of a boil notice is deemed "a necessary precautionary measure to ensure that public health is not put at risk".

“As Water Services Authority, on receipt of Health Service Executive (HSE) advice we wish to advise customers that, water being supplied from now until further notice should not be used for human consumption except under a number of conditions and for certain purposes," Mr Crowe said.

Those issued with the boil notice should also boil the water to ensure a rolling vigorous boil and then allow it to cool. It should then be covered and stored in a fridge or a cold place.

"Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic filters will not guarantee that water is safe to drink. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers. Use water that has been prepared for drinking (i.e. that is boiled) for preparing foods that will not be cooked, e.g. for washing salads. It is safe to drink commercial bottled mineral water," a statement said.

The Council have also asked that people in the effected areas prepare baby feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled.

"Do not use water that has been reboiled several times. If tap water is unavailable, use bottled water that has been brought to the boil and cooled.

Avoid using water that is fizzy, unless boiling has removed all the fizziness. Check the label: water in bottles labelled 'natural mineral water' is not required to meet all the standards of tap waters," the statement from the Council said.

Water maybe also used for flushing of toilets and for internal house plumbing, as well as for personal hygiene and bathing, according to the statement.

"The Council wishes to thank the public for their support to date. A further notice will be issued in due course," Mr Crowe said.

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