Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what immediate assurances he has sought from NI Water in light of the recent research carried out by Queen’s University Belfast in relation to unprecedented harmful algal bloom in Lough Neagh associated with gastrointestinal bacteria, microcystins and anabaenopeptins presenting an environmental and public health risk. [Priority Written]
Minister for Infrastructure: The quality and safety of drinking water is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:
The processes at the water treatment works provide a multibarrier effective treatment, to ensure that drinking water supplied to customers meets strict drinking water quality standards. Where there is a risk for algae to be present in the raw water, the drinking water treatment processes are designed to deal with this risk.
Indeed, I recently visited Northern Ireland Water’s Moyola Treatment Works facility and witnessed for myself the work being done by NI Water to ensure that people across the North have access to clean, safe drinking water. I am reassured to see the robust testing and sampling procedures in place to ensure the continuing supply of high-quality drinking water.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly,
through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com. Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
ENDS
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