Irish Water has told residents of Bishopswater in Wexford Town that they will need to pay to have their lead pipes replaced because the pipes are situated inside the grounds of their homes.
The utility, which was established in 2013, has warned several residents in the estate that their water supply contains dangerous levels of lead.
A notice from Irish Water has advised people in the area to let their water run for five to ten minutes before using it.
High levels of lead in water have long been associated with delays in physical and mental development in children. In adults, there is an increased risk of kidney problems and high blood pressure.