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07/04/2025
Minister Muir Launches Great UK Water Blitz In NI
Environment Minister Mike Muir has launched the Great UK Water Blitz in Northern Ireland, encouraging residents to participate in the nationwide effort to monitor water quality.
The initiative, which runs from 25-28 April 2025, involves participants taking simple water tests at local water sources and uploading their findings to a central database.
Speaking at Antrim Lough Shore Park, Minister Muir emphasised the importance of the project, particularly in light of recent water quality concerns. "I am pleased that my Department is supporting the Great UK Water Blitz. The issues we have witnessed in Lough Neagh and beyond have highlighted the importance of ensuring this precious resource is protected for not just for us but for future generations. It is only through science, data gathering and information we can really make the changes we all want to see."
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve water quality, noting, "I recently attended the Lough Neagh Stakeholder Forum where we were pleased to announce that from the Lough Neagh Action Plan, 10 actions have been delivered, with a further 23 in progress. Significant amount of work is needed to turn the tide on water quality but my Department is firmly committed to driving forward initiatives that enable better water quality which is essential for all aspects of life here in Northern Ireland."
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has secured 500 water test kits for distribution across the region. Minister Muir urged public participation, stating, "Everyone has a role to play in protecting water quality and I would urge anyone with an interest to participate in the Water Blitz and help to monitor the health of our waterways."
Dr Sasha Woods, Director of Science and Policy at Earthwatch Europe, echoed the Minister's call for action. "Our canals, rivers, lakes and streams are threatened by pollution from multiple sources. Urgent action is needed to safeguard the future of our precious freshwater ecosystems. By taking part in the Great UK WaterBlitz, we can use the power of citizen science to build a snapshot of freshwater quality in Northern Ireland, enabling us to pinpoint pollution hotspots and take action for a healthy freshwater future."
Those interested in participating in the Water Blitz or requesting a test kit can contact the NIEA via the following link: Great UK WaterBlitz - DAERA Signup - Earthwatch Europe
The initiative, which runs from 25-28 April 2025, involves participants taking simple water tests at local water sources and uploading their findings to a central database.
Speaking at Antrim Lough Shore Park, Minister Muir emphasised the importance of the project, particularly in light of recent water quality concerns. "I am pleased that my Department is supporting the Great UK Water Blitz. The issues we have witnessed in Lough Neagh and beyond have highlighted the importance of ensuring this precious resource is protected for not just for us but for future generations. It is only through science, data gathering and information we can really make the changes we all want to see."
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has secured 500 water test kits for distribution across the region. Minister Muir urged public participation, stating, "Everyone has a role to play in protecting water quality and I would urge anyone with an interest to participate in the Water Blitz and help to monitor the health of our waterways."
Dr Sasha Woods, Director of Science and Policy at Earthwatch Europe, echoed the Minister's call for action. "Our canals, rivers, lakes and streams are threatened by pollution from multiple sources. Urgent action is needed to safeguard the future of our precious freshwater ecosystems. By taking part in the Great UK WaterBlitz, we can use the power of citizen science to build a snapshot of freshwater quality in Northern Ireland, enabling us to pinpoint pollution hotspots and take action for a healthy freshwater future."
Those interested in participating in the Water Blitz or requesting a test kit can contact the NIEA via the following link: Great UK WaterBlitz - DAERA Signup - Earthwatch Europe
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
