27/03/2013

NI Beaches Have 'Excellent' Water Quality

Overall, Northern Ireland's beaches have 'excellent' water quality, according to a newly-published study by the Marine Conservation Society (MSC).

This is despite one beach, at Newcastle in County Down, failing to meet the minimum EU standard for bathing water quality.

Dr Robert Keirle of MSC said NI Water's investment in network improvements to sewers and pumping stations over the last ten years was paying off.

"Despite Northern Ireland as a whole experiencing an exceptionally wet summer during 2012, today we can recommend the second highest number of beaches in the province," he said.

"So the benefits of NI Water's investment are starting to become apparent."

Across Northern Ireland, 42 beaches (5.6%) failed to match the minimum European standard, or equivalent, for bathing water quality. This was 17 more than in last year's guide.

Dr Keirle said the good result for Northern Ireland's beaches was no cause for complacency.

"There are still a lot of Combined Sewage Overflows (CSOs) that need attention, and farming is an important part of Northern Ireland's economy," he said.

"So although the problems with discharges from NI Water's sewage treatment works have been largely addressed, this has now exposed the significant impact diffuse pollution from agriculture and urban areas is having on NI's coastal waters."

(IT)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
17 October 2013
NI Beaches Achieve 100% Quality
Every one of Northern Ireland's 23 beaches officially identified as bathing waters have passed the EC Bathing Waters Directive mandatory standard for water quality. The announcement makes 2013 the best year ever for bathing water quality in Northern Ireland, since bathing waters were first designated under the EC Bathing Water Directive in 1994.
12 August 2022
People Urged To Be Aware Of Water Usage Amid Heatwave
NI Water has urged people to be aware of their water usage as NI prepares to experience a 'meteorological heatwave, with temperatures expected to be in excess of 27°C over the weekend.
06 August 2024
O'Dowd Commits To High-Quality, Safe Drinking Water
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has committed to ensuring homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have access to high-quality, safe drinking water.