The 151-square-mile lough supplies around 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water and has, for the second successive year, been hit by blooms of toxic blue-green algae
Northern Ireland residents have been left with a bad taste in their mouths as the “unpleasant” flavour and odour of tap water has sparked concerns across several areas.
A toxic blue-green algae infestation at Lough Neagh, which supplies about 40% of the region’s drinking water, has struck for the second year running. Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd addressed the issue at Stormont following complaints about the “rank” and “rotten” taste and smell of the water. They assured despite the “increased algae levels”, the water remains safe to drink.
Mid Ulster MLA Emma Sheerin had earlier voiced the grievances of her constituents in the Assembly, describing the tap water as “musty, very stale, not drinkable, rotten, rank”, and saying it “tastes like dirt”. The situation prompted SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone to call on Mr O’Dowd for an update on actions being taken to tackle the problem, reports Belfast Live.
In response, the Minister emphasised: “NI Water’s number-one priority is the quality and safety of your drinking water. I am aware of a number of customers who have reported a taste and smell in their drinking water supply in specific areas.
“This is related to increased algae levels in Lough Neagh that contain naturally occurring compounds which may cause an unpleasant taste and smell even after going through NI Water’s robust treatment process.
“NI Water is working to reduce the impact of those compounds as they move through the water supply system and is working closely daily with the drinking water inspectorate (DWI) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) to ensure the water is safe to drink.
“I can confirm NI Water has confirmed to me the water is safe to drink. Processes have included enhanced sampling of the network treatment works, the distribution network and customer taps. Rigorous tests are carried out on water daily at source, through the treatment stage and at customers’ taps.
“If any customer has continuing concerns about their water, they should report those directly to NI Water. In fairness to NI Water, it will not be able to go to everyone’s homes to test water directly from the tap, but it is taking sample tests in the affected areas, and those are being tested as well. As I said, my home has been impacted, and I am using the water. I understand people’s genuine concerns – I am not dismissing any of them – but the water is safe to drink.”
