A prominent public health specialist has sounded the alarm on the potential risks associated with Cork's drinking water, sparking a legal battle and raising concerns among residents.
'A Serious Public Health Concern'
Professor Gabriel Scally, a renowned public health expert, has submitted a legal affidavit highlighting the ongoing issues with Cork city's water supply. The water discolouration problem, stemming from the Lee Road treatment plant, has persisted since its upgrade in 2022.
Uisce Éireann, the water utility company, has advised residents to run their taps until the water runs clear before using it for drinking or cooking. This is due to elevated levels of manganese and iron in the supply, which have caused discolouration and raised public health concerns.
'Pockets of Cork' Affected
Uisce Éireann acknowledges problems in certain areas of Cork, where they have implemented a protocol with the HSE to notify affected customers individually when manganese levels exceed the limit.
Professor Scally's affidavit is part of a judicial review initiated by Friends of the Irish Environment (FOIE) against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FOIE is challenging the EPA's approval of Uisce Éireann's latest action plan to address the drinking water supply issues.
The Controversial Action Plan
The action plan aims to bring the water supply into compliance with drinking water regulations in the short term. It primarily involves a 'flushing' method, running water through supply pipes in specific areas to remove discolouration caused by manganese and iron. However, the plan also acknowledges the need to replace 300km of cast iron pipes across the city over several decades, with only 7.5km replaced so far.
Professor Scally emphasizes that recent water test samples indicate an urgent need for action on public health grounds due to recurring high manganese levels in the drinking water.
Manganese: A Neurological Concern
He cites strong evidence linking manganese intake, especially during infancy and childhood, to serious neurological issues. The World Health Organization's 2022 'International Standards for Drinking Water' also warns of potential adverse effects on children's learning associated with soluble manganese in drinking water.
Professor Scally explains that manganese, a common metal, can be highly toxic, particularly for children and young people, potentially leading to neurological problems. He expresses concern about bottle-fed babies, as formula milk prepared with water containing excessive manganese could result in an unhealthy dose over time.
Advice Under Scrutiny
Professor Scally criticizes Uisce Éireann's advice to Cork residents, which is to avoid drinking discoloured water and to run the cold water tap for several minutes to restore clarity. He argues that this advice is not in line with international standards for manganese pollution in water supplies.
He emphasizes the need to test water for manganese levels, as clear water can still contain excessive doses of manganese.
A History of Concern
Professor Scally, currently a Visiting Professor of Public Health at the University of Bristol, is known for his independent inquiry into the Cervical Check Screening Programme in 2018. Cork's water supply issues have been repeatedly raised at the local council level and in the Dáil, with Sinn Féin's Thomas Gould leading the charge, as his constituents on the northside of the city are among the most affected.
Earlier this month, Uisce Éireann's CEO Niall Gleeson and Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge faced questions from the Public Accounts Committee on the matter.
Ms. Attridge stated that a manganese filter installed at Lee Road has improved compliance levels to 94% since January 2025. However, data shows intermittent high manganese levels in the water supply. For instance, on June 4th, manganese levels exceeded the regulatory limit of 50 µg/l in three households, reaching up to 254 µg/l.
HSE's Confusing Advice
Professor Scally also criticizes the HSE's current public health advice, titled 'FAQs: Manganese in Drinking Water'. He finds it confusing and unhelpful, as it suggests that drinking water with manganese levels up to 80 µg/l is not associated with adverse health effects, which contradicts the regulatory limit of 50 µg/l.
The HSE's document primarily focuses on the aesthetic and taste effects of manganese above this limit, mentioning staining of laundry and plumbing fixtures. Professor Scally believes this advice could lead people to be complacent about drinking water with manganese levels above the regulatory limit, which is a cause for concern.
Legal Proceedings and Responses
The judicial review case has been granted permission to proceed on December 1st. The HSE has stated that it will present its position in due course, while Uisce Éireann and the EPA have declined to comment as the matter is before the courts.
