Irish Water tells Bishopswater residents to pay for pipe replacements.

Irish Water has told residents of Bishopswater in Wexford Town that they will have to pay to have their lead pipes replaced.

The water utility company, which was set up in 2013, has warned a number of residents in the Wexford estate that their water supply contains dangerous levels of lead.

According to Irish Water, the residents of Bishopswater will have to pay for the replacement costs because the pipes in question are situated inside the grounds of their homes.

A notice from Irish Water has advised people in the area that they should let their water run for five to ten minutes before attempting to use it.

High levels of lead in water has 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.