A ban has been in place for the best part of a month, with householders warned not to use their running water for drinking or bathing after dangerously high levels of chlorine were detected in the local supply. It’s believed a broken pump in the automated water system was to blame.

However, the Herald understands that from last week onwards many in the area have decided to take their chances with washing and even making cups of tea. 

The danger warning was first issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE) over three weeks ago. Cavan County Council and Irish Water then issued the restriction notice. 

Speaking at the beginning of July the HSE said: “All prepared drinks, foods, ice cubes and baby foods which contain water from the network should be discarded. 

“In the interest of public health, it is advised that all users, both domestic and commercial, on the affected scheme should not use tap water until further notice except for flushing of toilets and flushing of internal house plumbing systems.” 

Francis O’Reilly of the Spa XL Service Station, where the tankards of water had been left for residents to use, said he understood the County Council was now waiting for the HSE to give the green light so they could lift the restriction. 

“The Council come in every day to test the water in my shop. They say it’s fine,” he told the Herald last Friday. “We’re using it over a week now and no one had died yet.” 

Asked about how he’d been coping with the bathing ban in such muggy weather, Mr O’Reilly quipped: “I’m living in Kinawley, I’m OK!” 

He added, however, it had been a frustrating few weeks for people: “There’s never a good time to have no water. Everyone is just getting on with it, we have bigger problems.”