A number of businesses and homes were affected by discoloured drinking water in the west Belfast area today.
The issue put a pause to the operation of several businesses on the Andersontown Road including a charity, dentist and pharmacy.
In a social media post, SDLP councillor Paul Doherty said the discoloured water had impacted several premises including his charity Foodstock.
The west Belfast councillor said that NI Water, who have since mended the issue, advised those affected to refrain from using the water facilities until it was investigated.
NI Water said the discolouration arose due to a burst main occurring in the Finaghy area and cautioned that chlorine levels in the water supply “may be boosted temporarily.”
“It’s totally out of the blue,” Mr Doherty told the Belfast Telegraph. “It’s never happened here before.
“So far It’s Impacting a number of houses and businesses in the area so we’re just trying to determine how far reaching this is.”
Mr Doherty confirmed that the issue was resolved by NI Water.
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In a Facebook post he said: “Issue with discoloured drinking water now resolved in the Andersonstown area.
“Thanks to NI Water for resolving quickly after I talked with them this afternoon. They have confirmed that this problem emanated from a burst main in the Finaghy area earlier and that water is now safe to use.”
A spokesman from NI Water confirmed the issue has been fixed and assured the discolouration will be “short-lived” advising those in the area to run the water for a while to help clear it.
They said: “NI Water are aware of a water discoloration due to the burst and have carried out mains flushing this afternoon to clear the water. Customers may experience a loss of water supply or a drop in pressure when the work is being carried out. Discoloured water can occur when the mains are disturbed.
“This can happen when there has been an interruption to supply following a burst main and the operational activity associated with the repair. The discolouration will be short-lived, and running the tap for a while should help clear it from the system.
“All water is disinfected to ensure it is safe to drink. Following operational activity, the level of chlorine in the water supply may be boosted temporarily. The amount of chlorine is carefully controlled and monitored at our treatment works and strategic points in the distribution system. Water quality samples are taken following burst mains repairs to ensure that a satisfactory water supply is restored to customers.
“If you are still experiencing issues for more than 24 hours, please speak to one of our agents via Web Chat.”
News Catch Up – Tuesday 21 January