Bottled Water Given To Residents Following Diesel Find

Bottled water is being provided to a number of residents in Killeavy, Co Armagh, following the discovery of a disused pipe which contained residual diesel.

Residents living in the Carn Road and Green Road areas reported a "strange smell" from their water supply.

A 'Do Not Use Tap Water for Drinking or Cooking' notice was issued to 43 homes.

In a statement, NI Water said: "Our number one priority is the quality and safety of drinking water and our policy is to err on the side of caution. If we believe there is cause for concern in relation to your drinking water, we will keep you informed.

"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.

"NI Water is providing updates to affected residents and have arranged to meet with elected representatives to outline actions that have been taken and are being taken to prevent this situation arising again."

(CD/LM)