Manganese Levels in Cork Water Exceed Eight Times Limits
“`html
Manganese Levels in Cork City Drinking Water Exceed EU Limits
Table of Contents
Recent data reveals consistently high levels of manganese in Cork City’s drinking water,raising health concerns and prompting renewed scrutiny of Uisce Éireann’s monitoring and communication practices.
What Happened?
Manganese levels in drinking water in several areas of cork City have repeatedly exceeded the maximum permissible limit set by the EU Drinking Water (2023) Regulations, which is 50 microgrammes per litre (µg/L). Data obtained through a Freedom of Data request from Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, shows particularly concerning levels in the Friars Walk area, where levels reached 428µg/L during the week of September 22nd – more then eight times the EU maximum.
Furthermore, analysis of tests conducted throughout the first nine months of 2023 reveals that two-thirds of samples from the ballyhooley rd ‘B’ area and half of those from the Ballyhooley rd ‘A’ area also surpassed the EU limit.
Health Implications of High Manganese Levels
Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral, but at elevated levels, it can pose meaningful health risks. The HSE has expressed concern that prolonged exposure to high manganese levels can negatively impact brain development in infants and children. In adults, it can cause neurological symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease.
While water exceeding 50µg/L may exhibit discoloration, a metallic taste, and stain laundry, the HSE has cautioned Uisce Éireann against relying on visual indicators of water quality. The HSE emphasized that health advice is based on *evidence-based manganese concentration levels*,not subjective assessments of water appearance.
Timeline of Events
- February 2023: The HSE initially raised alarm regarding high manganese levels in northside and southside areas of Cork City. They indicated a ‘Do Not Consume’ notice would be immediately recommended if ongoing exposure was confirmed.
- March 3, 2023: Manganese levels of 193µg/L were recorded at Richmond Tce, off Gardiner’s Hill - almost four times the EU maximum.
- September 2023:
The Echo
published the Richmond Tce figures, prompting Taoiseach Micheál Martin to describe the situation as “very serious.” - September 22, 2023: Data released under FOI request reveals levels of 428µg/L at Friars Walk.
- November 2023 (approx.): Continued monitoring reveals ongoing exceedances in Ballyhooley Rd areas.
affected Areas & Data summary
| Location | Highest Manganese Level (µg/L) | Date of Measurement | EU Maximum | Times EU Maximum Exceeded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friars Walk | 428 | September 22,2023 | 50 | 8.56x |
| Richmond Tce | 193 | March 3, 2023 | 50 | 3.86x |
| Ballyhooley Rd ‘B’ | >50 (Two-thirds of tests) | Jan-Sept 2023 | 50 | Variable |
| Ballyhooley Rd ‘A’ | >50 (Half of tests) | Jan-sept 2023 | 50 | Variable |
uisce Éireann and HSE Response
The HSE has repeatedly urged Uisce Éireann to prioritize accurate monitoring and transparent communication regarding manganese levels. The HSE’s criticism centers on Uisce Éireann