Clean water in Ireland. How safe drinking water in Ireland.

Sceala Clann T.D. Location: Wicklow

Ireland has a world-wide reputation for water. We are visioned as having plenty of drinking water ...a welcome by-product of the most regular Irish rain.
We generally take for granted ...that drinking water in Ireland is clean ...and safe to consume straight out the tap.
Or at least we did take clean safe drinking water for granted in Ireland ....up until the recent ..but now regular news reports of....dirty and contaminated water in Ireland.
Did anyone watch the disturbing report about the state of our water ...and the horrific visionary of Irish water in the near future.
Dangerously contaminated drinking water is not just a West of Ireland concern.
Background to the report
Future Shock: The Last Drop
In this instalment of the Future Shock series, Philip Boucher-Hayes investigates how Ireland is running out of water.
After the long, wet summer of 2008, few would believe it, but Ireland is running out of water.
Our next big resource crisis is looming on the horizon and it's not oil. A growing shortage of drinking water threatens not only our health and the environment, but the future of our economy too. Future Shock: The Last Drop reveals how, as a nation, we are wasting what we have and polluting what is left. Simply put, soon there won't be enough water in the east of the country to meet ever-growing demand - and in the west, the quality of our drinking water simply can't be guaranteed.
Drawing on two years of research into water quality in Ireland, RTE Radio Investigative Unit reporter Philip Boucher-Hayes visits spots, including Galway and Ennis that have experienced problems with their water quality and availability, and those which are likely to in the near future. And he presents some genuinely shocking discoveries in this challenging
documentary.

What to do if your water supply is contaminated.
The local authorities tell us to boil our water ....why.
For those interested in understanding what clean drinking water is ....maybe you can ...add or correct this information.
I searched this question
Will boiling mineral water kill the minerals and good stuff in the water?
Among the useful definitions of water ... The answer that appears most informative and concerning ..if not definitive ...is in bold print.

A. Distilled Water
Distilled Water is water that has been vaporized and re-condensed. If fractional distillation is used, all minerals and chemicals are removed. Removal of all dissolved solids in the water also removes any taste. Distilled water is the ultimate soft water.

B. Pure Liquid Water
This term is often used commercially to denote water in its purest form (distilled water). There is really no such thing as "pure liquid water."

C. Tap Water (Public or Drinking water)
Tap Water is water from a municipal or county water system that has been treated and disinfected.

D. Fluoridated Water
Fluoridated Water is water that has been treated in water plants so as to contain at least 0.8 mg but no more than 4 mg of fluoride per liter.

E. Mineral Water
While mineral waters typically contain at least 500 ppm (parts per million) of minerals, the term "mineral water" has no legal significance. The minerals present give water a distinctive flavor and many are high in sodium. It should be noted the Environmental Protection Agency only allows up to 500 ppm of minerals for drinking Water. Some mineral waters contain up to 2,000 ppms.

F. Natural Water
Natural Water is water obtained from a spring or well that is certified to be safe and sanitary.

G. Hard Water
Hard Water is water with a high calcium and magnesium concentration. Most water found in nature is hard water.

H. Soft Water
Soft Water is water with a low calcium and magnesium concentration. Typically, this is water that has been processed through a softener unit, using sodium or potassium chloride as a base in an ionic exchange filter. If the water was already soft to begin with and is quasi 100% softened, the water may still have relatively low sodium content. It is also important to remember that water with a high sodium concentration may also be quite hard.

Most water softeners are sodium based (sodium chloride). Some are potassium based. Soft water is good for washing cloths and for bathing purposes. Long-term consumption can lead to excessive sodium or potassium, depending on the kind of softener.

I. Spring Water
Spring Water is water originating from a spring or well and must have a direct connection to a spring). It may be carbonated or not ("flat" or "still"). Brand names such as "Spring Pure" do not necessarily mean that the water comes from a spring.

J. Boiled Water
Boiling water kills the bacteria in raw water (if it is boiled for at least 20 minutes). But, the remains of these germs are carried into our body when the water is consumed. These dead germs furnish media for rapid and lusty propagation of germs already in the body. Boiling water does not remove any inorganic minerals or chemicals such as chlorine or fluoride. On the contrary, this process concentrates certain toxic metals.

K. Rain Water
The heat of the sun naturally distills rainwater. But it becomes contaminated as it falls through air filled with bacteria, dust, smoke, chemicals, and minerals. By the time it reaches the earth as rainwater, it is so saturated with decaying matter, dirt, and chemicals that its color becomes a yellowish-white. Snow is even dirtier. Neither should be consumed.

L. Swimming Pool Water
Properly maintained pools with adequate water circulation, filtration, and disinfection do not usually represent a hazard to bathers even when consumed in small quantities. If the main water supply becomes contaminated, the risk to pool users is minimal because parasites do not multiply in water.

M. Acidic Water
This is water that has a pH of 5.8 - 6.9. This is often formed either by distilled water coming in contact with air, or by special ionizing machines to make water acidic. Acidic water is good for external use and industrial purposes, but not for long-term human consumption. Acidic water is full of hydrogen ions. It is good for plant growth, crops, and livestock in that it will help keep a much lower mortality rate and cleaner environment, keeping in mind the acidic water retards bacteria and bacterial growth. It also kills bacteria on contact; helps heal cuts, blisters, scraps, or rashes; and provides excellent relief from mosquito bites. Once taken internally, it attracts minerals from our body. Drinking acidic water short term (less than 4 weeks) is good for body cleansing and detoxification. Long-term intake invariably leads to mineral deficiencies.

N. Alkaline Water
This is water that has a pH of more than 7.4 (often close to 7.6 to 7.8 ). Alkaline water can be the result of reverse osmosis or by special ionizing machines to make the water alkaline. Slightly alkaline water is best for consumption. Hydroxyl Ions (oxygen molecule with an extra electron) inside alkaline water donates its extra electrons to free radicals and is therefore a liquid antioxidant. Alkaline water also balances the body pH that is often acidic, especially among the sick. Our diet is often extremely acidic. Soft drinks, fast foods, and processed foods deposit acid waste in our bodies that build up over time and create an ideal environment for diseases and cancer cells to thrive. The accumulation of acidic byproducts in the body is believed to be a rapid accelerator of aging according to many researchers. Maintaining an alkaline pH (7.6 - 8.0) helps us to maintain an environment in our bodies that is NOT conducive to disease. After consumption, the antioxidant properties generally last approximately 18 - 24 hours, and the alkaline properties will last approximately 1 - 2 weeks.

What sort of a nation are we building in Ireland today
When we can not even guarantee safe clean drinking water ...in a land of ..should be plenty ...it is not a healthy one.

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Clean water in Ireland. How safe drinking water in Ireland.