Drinking Water and Blue-Green Algae

Topics:

Water,
Blue-Green Algae

Northern Ireland Water Limited (NI Water) is responsible for the supply and distribution of the public drinking water in Northern Ireland. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), within NIEA, regulates the quality of the drinking water supply provided by NI Water.

Due to the potential risk of algal blooms, the water treatment works that abstract from Lough Neagh are designed and operated for the removal of algae and NI Water monitor the performance of these water treatment plants daily. DWI independently assess the drinking water quality against the regulatory standards.

The main impact of algae in source waters, are taste and odour complaints from consumers, often described as ‘earthy’ or ‘musty’. This is caused by metabolites released by the algae and have no health impact upon consumers.

Anyone with any concerns in relation to their public drinking water supply should contact Waterline on 03457 00 44 88 or on waterline@niwater.com.

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Drinking Water and Blue-Green Algae