NI Drinking Water Quality 'High' - Report

The quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains exceptionally high, according to a new report published by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

'Drinking Water Quality in Northern Ireland, 2012' has found that the quality of public drinking water supplies in Northern Ireland is very good, with overall compliance for samples taken from water treatment works, service reservoirs and consumers’ taps at 99.78%.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The Drinking Water Inspectorate’s latest report confirms the high quality of our public drinking water supply, which has to meet strict regulatory standards. Investment has led to upgrades of water treatment facilities across Northern Ireland, enabling high quality water to continue to be provided. We need to maintain investment to keep standards high by making further improvements in our infrastructure."

But the report also said vigilance is required and that good operational practice and management should be applied at every stage in water supply.

it highlights the need for targeted ongoing investment in infrastructure to safeguard the high quality of Northern Ireland's drinking water.

The Minister added: "NI Water’s ongoing investment programme which focuses on continuing to improve drinking water quality, will see further upgrades to its water treatment works and distribution systems. I welcome the improvement this will bring for the overall health and wellbeing of the Northern Ireland consumer, by providing safe, clean drinking water."

(IT/MH)