NI Water has welcomed the 2010 Bathing Water Quality results, released today, which show that 22 beaches have met the required EC’s Bathing Water Directive standard.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) recorded the results from June to mid September at 24 bathing waters. Out of those tested, 22 met the mandatory standard – while 16 met the stringent guideline standard.
Angela Halpenny, Head of Environmental Regulation at NI Water, explains further,
"We are pleased that 22 of the 24 bathing waters tested passed the mandatory requirements, particularly considering the impact of the wet summer. However, while these results demonstrate our investment in wastewater systems is making a difference, we must continue to push forward with further investment to ensure continued improvements are made.
The Ballyholme area has seen a £4.5 million investment which will help improve the Ballyholme bathing waters for next season. A major investment in the sewer network in the Bangor area which includes upgrades to the storm system is also ongoing. This work, which represents an investment of £6 million, will bring the entire area up to the newest standards required and is scheduled for completion during the 2010-2013 investment period subject to funding approval.
Newcastle is also receiving a major investment boost of over £7 million by NI Water. The sewer network is currently being upgraded while the Wastewater Treatment Works is undergoing a major expansion, scheduled to start in autumn 2011 and completed in spring 2013.
While NI Water is tackling the consequences of years of under investment in the sewer network, the public can do a great deal to help prevent further damage to our sewers and ultimately our beaches. Inappropriate items being flushed down the toilet often make their way through the system and onto our beaches or cause serious blockages.
Wastewater treatment works and sewerage systems are not designed to deal with objects such as cotton buds, nappies and sanitary items. The advice is simple - Bag it and Bin it, don’t flush it."
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) recorded the results from June to mid September at 24 bathing waters. Out of those tested, 22 met the mandatory standard – while 16 met the stringent guideline standard.
Angela Halpenny, Head of Environmental Regulation at NI Water, explains further,
"We are pleased that 22 of the 24 bathing waters tested passed the mandatory requirements, particularly considering the impact of the wet summer. However, while these results demonstrate our investment in wastewater systems is making a difference, we must continue to push forward with further investment to ensure continued improvements are made.
The Ballyholme area has seen a £4.5 million investment which will help improve the Ballyholme bathing waters for next season. A major investment in the sewer network in the Bangor area which includes upgrades to the storm system is also ongoing. This work, which represents an investment of £6 million, will bring the entire area up to the newest standards required and is scheduled for completion during the 2010-2013 investment period subject to funding approval.
Newcastle is also receiving a major investment boost of over £7 million by NI Water. The sewer network is currently being upgraded while the Wastewater Treatment Works is undergoing a major expansion, scheduled to start in autumn 2011 and completed in spring 2013.
While NI Water is tackling the consequences of years of under investment in the sewer network, the public can do a great deal to help prevent further damage to our sewers and ultimately our beaches. Inappropriate items being flushed down the toilet often make their way through the system and onto our beaches or cause serious blockages.
Wastewater treatment works and sewerage systems are not designed to deal with objects such as cotton buds, nappies and sanitary items. The advice is simple - Bag it and Bin it, don’t flush it."
