Barrow water comes on stream in mid-July

Water from taps in Kilcullen is likely to taste different from the middle of July, as the new supply from the Barrow River is brought on-stream through the Old Kilcullen Reservoir, writes Brian Byrne.

Water will be harderThat's because the Barrow water is 'harder' than the Ballymore Eustace supply which Kilcullen has had since the Poulaphuca Reservoir was built in the 1940s.

A new conditioning system for the Barrow supply will be built between now and the end of 2014, to deal with the hard water characteristics at source.

Limescale, film on your tea, possibleIn the meantime, Kildare County Council will mix the Ballymore and Barrow supplies at Old Kilcullen, to make the changed characteristics less problematical.

The Council says no treatment is needed in homes using the supply in the meantime, though some limescale may form on appliances that heat water, and a light film may form in heated beverages.

A helpline will be available from July 1, at 045 980555.