Kennedy – Drinking water quality remains high across Northern Ireland

04 August 2015 14:22

Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, has received the latest report on the quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland.

The findings, compiled by the independent Drinking Water Inspectorate, report that the quality of public drinking water remains high, with overall statutory compliance levels at 99.86%. The results are based on water samples taken from water treatment works, service reservoirs and consumers’ taps.

Speaking following the publication of the report, Danny Kennedy said: “The Drinking Water Inspectorate’s latest report is welcome news for consumers, it confirms that the standard of our drinking water, which has to meet strict regulatory standards, remains consistently high.

“Continued investment has delivered upgrades of water treatment facilities across Northern Ireland and my aim is to safeguard the delivery of high quality water to consumers by making further improvements in our infrastructure.”

Notwithstanding the high quality of water recorded this year, the report states that vigilance is required, and that good operational practice and management should be applied at every stage in water supply to ensure that NI Water continues to provide safe, clean, drinking water. The report also highlights the need for targeted ongoing investment in infrastructure to ensure that overall compliance is maintained and quality further improved to safeguard our high quality drinking water.

Commenting the Minister said: “NI Water’s ongoing investment programme, which focuses on continuing to improve the quality of drinking water will see further upgrades to its water treatment works and distribution systems.”

The Drinking Water Inspectorate has an independent responsibility to assess and regulate compliance against the regulatory requirements. The Inspectorate has been appointed by the Department for Regional Development to carry out its regulatory functions relating to the quality of public water supplies. It continues to act on behalf of the Department of the Environment in respect of private water supplies.

The report is available as a PDF file on DRD’s website: http://www.drdni.gov.uk/drinking-water-quality-annual-report-2014.pdf