The mayor of Clonmel has said he is confident that the problems with the town's drinking water will be remedied in a matter of weeks.
About 11,500 people were told at the weekend that they should boil drinking water, including water used in the preparation of salads and similar foods which are not cooked prior to eating. This follows the discovery of elevated levels of the cryptosporidium parasite in the Glenary water supply that serves much of the town.
The Environmental Protection Agency says a full investigation is under way.
The mayor, Cllr Richie Molloy, said that the strain of cryptosporidium detected in Clonmel was different from that which is affecting Galway.
"About 4,500 households received notices about boiling water and that will be in effect for four to five weeks until the upgrade of the treatment plant is completed," he said
"I think it was important that we got the notices out so quickly. No illnesses have been reported. I would stress that there is a difference between the contamination in this and the contamination in Galway. It is a different strain."
Local Fianna Fáil TD Mattie McGrath yesterday urged Clonmel residents not to panic, insisting that the situation would not escalate to the crisis levels experienced in Galway.
Mr McGrath said the source of the pollution was probably not human.
The Glenary treatment plant, which supplies the town, is not located near houses so it is possible the contamination was caused by sheep and wild animal droppings which entered the water supply following recent heavy rain.
However, Fine Gael South Tipperary TD Tom Hayes said the news that there is cryptosporidium in the Clonmel water supply must be met with urgent action to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.
"Water tankers should be stationed around the town so that residents and businesses have access to safe water and disruption is minimised until this hazard is tackled," he said.
"The tardy response to the same problem in Galway earlier this year is still fresh in everyone's mind and that cannot be allowed to happen in this case."
Mr Hayes said it was not clear when this contamination was detected, adding that he would be seeking complete information on the full implications for the town's water supply.
People with impaired immune systems, young children and the elderly are more susceptible to contamination from the cryptosporidium parasite, which can lead infected patients to develop acute diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fatigue, vomiting and low-grade fever.
Clonmel Borough Council has said that members of the public with questions or concerns can telephone a special freephone number: 1800-271 777.