Louth Local Authorities have received the first results from a targeted programme of water testing commenced last week at locations in the Louth County Council; Drogheda Borough Council and Dundalk Town Council administrative areas to address concerns after increased levels of lead were recorded at a small number of specific sites.

While the most recent test results continue to be received and analysed, those received by Tuesday morning showed that 40 samples taken from 24 different locations in Drogheda showed no exceedances of the current limit of 25 microgrammes per litre.  The highest level of any sample was 8.8 microgrammes per litre, which is below the reduced limit of 10 which is due to be effective from 2013. 

In Dundalk, seven of 11 samples tested have shown breaches in the 25 limit, the readings ranging from 39.2 to 84.1. As a result, further sampling is being carried out this week at these and other locations in the town.

Of 35 samples tested so far in areas of Co Louth outside of Drogheda and Dundalk, three have shown breaches of the limit. Two of these were from the same property in Ardee, and the third was in Omeath. The Omeath result was 130, and those for Ardee were 59.7and 53.3.

The Dundalk and Drogheda results continue to be reviewed by the HSE and their existing advice as published at www.louthcoco.ie continues with occupants of homes built before 1970 advised to let taps run for a time before pouring water for human consumption. This is especially important where old lead pipes are known still to be in use.

The county results are being notified to the HSE also. Occupants of the Omeath property are being advised not to use water for drinking purposes pending a resolution of the problem which is a very specific and local one as other results from Omeath were within permissible levels.

Further sample results from all areas will be coming in during this week and Louth Local Authorities will continue to work closely with the HSE and take their advice in relation to human health issues.  Where levels of lead in excess of the permissible limits are recorded, property owners and occupants are being advised.

The water supply at several commercial and residential premises has been re-tested on the Council's behalf with properties adjacent to those originally tested also being sampled.

Eamonn Walsh, Director of Services, Louth County Council said: "We continue to work closely with the EPA and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to determine what course of action may be needed in the specific areas identified in the audit of test results going back to 2004 – especially where the latest series of tests conducted on our behalf continue to show higher than normal levels of lead content at these properties.

"We are continuing work with our colleagues in other agencies to ensure there is no risk to public health and we again want to assure consumers in Louth that there is no reason for general concern about water quality.

"We are engaging with the occupants of individual homes and business premises from where test results of concern have been recorded and will work with them, the EPA and the public health authorities to ensure best outcomes. We will also advise on and facilitate remedial action that may be required to avoid a recurrence of any problems associated with old lead pipes."

If you can answer any of the questions put by our readers, click here to complete the contact form with the details required and we will forward your details to person seeking help who may then contact you directly.  DundalkOnline is glad to be able to connect people in this way but have to disclaim any responsibility for what is offered or accepted.