Galway water contamination crisis

THE full scale of Galway city’s third water contamination crisis in 18 months may not be known for at least another two weeks - but already there are real fears that it could affect as many as 5,000 households.

City Councillors were informed at an emergency Council meeting on Tuesday night that recent testing detected ‘very high levels’ of lead in the water supply of houses in four areas of the city including Old Mervue, Shantalla, Bohermore and the Claddagh.

Water at twelve of the 20 houses tested in the affected areas, where lead piping is still installed in many houses built before 1970, revealed high levels of the metallic element which potentially poses a serious health risk although, so far, nobody has reported ill as a result of this contamination.

Old Mervue is a particularly ‘high risk’ area and approximately 300 houses and up to 1,000 residents there have been advised not to drink the water until further notice.

Galway Poem

Galway, city of the beautiful, a land situated on low plain where the horizon is bright and clear. O! how i long to see you, you are one of a kind, different from others, Generous and charming. I remember the first time your eyes met mine,the oceans depth were hidden in your eyes.A pair of innocent minds and hearts full of Great passion for one another is how our story began, when I see you I smile; But when i'm far from you; I'll be wishing I was close to you.O Galway you've shared my laughter, and my tears,you've always fought away my fears, you're beautiful in every season, today i'm going to sit by you and take my vow, because every friend needs a friend. I hope you remember, You are now and will always be, A true friend indeed Galway.