Sewage entered Glanmire river for five months
Between March and August this year, untreated sewage was flowing into the Butlerstown River in Glanmire.
The sewage was entering the river due to a plumbing error at a private development in the town.
It is understood that the issue arose when a sewage outlet from the newly-developed Ashbrook apartments was connected to a storm line which flowed into the Butlerstown river instead of to the sewer.
In response to a query by the Cork Independent, Uisce Éireann confirmed that the issue was caused by a wastewater outlet at the development being connected to a system which flowed into the Glashaboy River.
A spokesperson for Uisce Éireann said: “Upon becoming aware of an issue relating to a wastewater connection at a private development which resulted in wastewater entering a local watercourse, corrective works were undertaken and the matter has since been resolved.”The issue was first reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by Uisce Éireann on 25 August.
In a statement provided to the Cork Independent, the EPA confirmed that the issue had been resolved as of the 14 August.
A spokesperson said: “Uisce Éireann have been required to assess any impact and remedial actions required I relation to discharges in the river.”
Of concern was the impact to the Glashaboy Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which provides drinking water for Glanmire.
It is understood that the plant was forced to suspend operations three times in August, with the most recent suspension occurring on 13 August, due to spikes in ammonia levels.
A spokesperson for Uisce Éireann said: “The drinking water supplied from Glashaboy Water Treatment Plant remains safe to drink. At no time was there any impact on the quality of drinking water supplied to customers or any risk to public health.
“Uisce Éireann’s water treatment plants are equipped with continuous monitoring and automated protections systems designed to safeguard drinking water quality. As designed, these systems temporarily suspend operations when changes in raw water quality are detected, ensuring the continued protection of drinking water supplies.
“The public drinking water supply continues to be subject to ongoing monitoring and operational oversight and remains safe to drink,” they said.
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.