Water Is 'Safe To Drink And Use As Normal' – NI Water

NI Water has reassured households that their water is "safe to drink and use as normal".

The public utility company has said that their number one priority is the quality and safety of drinking water.

On a daily basis, NI Water monitor the raw water intakes from all sources, at their treatment works and at customer taps to ensure that drinking water supplied meets strict quality standards.

NI Water has a robust testing and sampling system which sees over 120,000 samples lifted and analysed each year. Sampling and analysis are carried out 365 days per year. Samples are taken from customer homes, reservoirs and treatment plants.

Drinking water supplied from the water treatment works which use Lough Neagh as their raw water sources, are designed with the potential for algae to be present and robust treatment processes are in place to manage this effectively.

NI Water said that over the summer months, they increase the frequency of algae monitoring when the risk for algae in the raw water would generally be higher. NI Water said: "Increased levels of algae can cause an unusual taste and smell to water from your tap but does not pose a risk to health. The taste and smell can be earthy and/or musty. Therefore, while the water from your tap can be used in the normal way, we fully appreciate some customers might notice a difference in the taste and/or odour to their drinking water at this time."

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is my water supplied from Lough Neagh?

Lough Neagh supplies 40.7% of the drinking water within Northern Ireland.

• How do I find out if my water is supplied from Lough Neagh?

This information is available by clicking on the map below for information on water supply in that area.

• I've seen images on social media of green substances growing in water filters/water containers

Sometimes filter jugs, coffee machines and filters can be problematic if they have not been regularly cleaned or the filter has not been replaced in line with manufacturer's instructions. It is also advised to keep these appliances out of direct sunlight and in a cool place.

• What to do if I am still concerned?

NI Water would like to reassure customers that the water supplied from all our works, which includes water abstracted from Lough Neagh is safe to drink and use as normal.

Clicking Here and entering your postcode, will confirm the Water Quality Results for your area.