Cork, Ireland –In response to recent reports of repeated water quality breaches in Cork, Professor Fiona Regan, Director of the DCU Water Institute and Full Professor of Chemistry at Dublin City University, emphasizes the critical importance of accurate, public water quality management and infrastructure investment to safeguard public health.
Investigative tests conducted for Uisce Éireann have identified multiple instances of water contamination involving elevated levels of manganese in Cork’s supply from the Lee Road Treatment Plant. Residents have been advised to avoid consuming water that appears brown or discolored and to run taps for 20 minutes to clear any discoloration; however, no public health warnings have been deemed necessary despite HSE’s guidelines.
Professor Regan, a leading expert in water quality and environmental chemistry, stresses that such incidents underscore the necessity for comprehensive monitoring and maintenance of water treatment facilities. “Ensuring the integrity of our water supply is paramount,” she states. “These events highlight the need for continuous investment in our water infrastructure and the implementation of advanced monitoring technologies to detect and address contamination promptly.”
The DCU Water Institute, under Professor Regan’s leadership, is at the forefront of innovative solutions for water quality assessment and management. Part of the institute’s research focuses on creating sustainable strategies to prevent contamination and protect water resources, aligning with Irish, EU and global efforts to enhance water health and safety.
Professor Regan also emphasizes the role of public awareness and education in maintaining water quality. “It’s crucial for consumers to be informed about potential water quality issues and the appropriate actions to take,” she notes. “Public health advisories, like those issued in Cork, are essential components of a comprehensive water safety strategy.”
Read the full story here: https://www.rte.ie/news/primetime/2025/0130/1493924-repeated-breaches-in-water-quality-in-cork-shown-in-test-data/