Water quality near me
Here, water quality refers to characteristics of water (chemical, physical and biological) that is used to determine its suitability for use, and therefore can mean different things to different people. For open water swimmers, is the water quality good enough to swim safely? For angling groups, is water quality good enough to support fish life? For general water environment context, is water quality good enough to support the dependent ecosystem?
Poor water quality can affect the suitability of how we use our surface waters. It can not only prevent us from using waters for open water activities, it can negatively impact the ecosystems that rely on it and also have economic impacts,
In this section, you can find practical advice, updates on local water quality initiatives, and resources to help you protect our water sources.
We can all get involved to support a healthier, more sustainable community for all.
Surface water quality
You can access a range of DAERA and NIEA map viewers that contain information on water quality status in your local area. Water quality status is defined by key parameters that include biological elements, nutrients and other physico-chemical factors. Click on the links below to explore.
Bathing water focus
The following range of information sources is available to support you in making informed decisions about enjoying our bathing waters:
Bathing Water Profiles - 2025 Bathing Water Profiles
Each profile gives detailed information on the physical characteristic of each bathing water while assessing the pollution risk to each site.
Blue-Green Algae Infographic - Blue-Green Algae Infographic
This infographic is designed to help increase the awareness about harmful blue-green algae.
Bathing Water Dashboard – NI Bathing Water Quality Dashboard
The NI Bathing Water Quality Dashboard provides water quality results for the 33 designated bathing waters across Northern Ireland. Results are updated on a weekly basis throughout the bathing season (1st June to 15th September) unless Advice Against Bathing is advised, in that case results are uploaded as soon as available. Results are also added from out of season sampling when available.
Bathing Season Guide – About Bathing Water Quality
In preparation for bathing season, DAERA has produced this handy guide with key information needed to make safe choices around our bathing waters.
Protected Sites, Habitats and Species – NIEA Natural Environment Viewer
The NIEA Natural Environment Viewer provides locations of protected sites, habitats and species, including wetlands and water-dependent habitats. You can see the viewer at the link above.