Concern at chlorine taste from tap water

People across the BT47 and BT48 area have also noticed the strong smell from bathroom taps and showers.

Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy told the ‘Journal’ she has been inundated by calls and messages about the water taste and smell since last Thursday evening.

“I was told it is completely safe, and was advised that you boil the water before drinking it, or run it for a while first. I have been contacted by people from across the city saying that it was really bad. NI Water said the water is working its way through the system, and it can take some time for the pipes to be flushed out. They said the chlorine has been reduced at the treatment plant, and I have been told it should take 24 hours. People are out of pocket because they have been buying bottled water all weekend, people have young babies, disabled children.

“People are afraid to bath their children. The entire city have been left in a state that they can’t use their water. If it isn’t resolved soon, we are going to have to take it further, it’s not enough to say it is safe if it isn’t usable.”

A spokesperson for NI Water said: “Following reports of chlorine taste and odour in the water supply in the BT47 and BT48 areas, we have been carrying out a number of actions. These include flushing of the network and water quality checks throughout the distribution system. All of our drinking water supplies are fully treated and disinfected with chlorine at our water treatment works. The chlorine level at the Carmoney Water Treatment Works which supply these areas is monitored daily. A small residue of chlorine is present in the treated drinking water when it reaches our customer taps. This is to ensure that the quality of the drinking water is maintained through our water mains network. While the chlorine levels in the water are well within normal levels and are not a cause for concern, we fully appreciate on occasion, they can make the water taste and smell different. Chlorine taste and smell is also more obvious during colder weather conditions.”