Northern Ireland Water wishes to clarify information previously issued to Mid Ulster District Council which stated that “70% of phosphorus entering Lough Neagh originates from agriculture.”

NI Water accepts that figure was presented as a definitive position, rather than an approximation and is happy to clarify this directly with the Council and the public.  Rather than relying on percentages, it should have been emphasised that the relative contributions of phosphorus to Lough Neagh from agriculture, wastewater and other sources are complex and continue to be the subject of ongoing scientific research and assessment. NI Water fully owns it proportion of the overall loading, noting that there are strict guidelines set by NIEA that it has to adhere to.

The evidence base in this area is evolving, with an updated report expected later this year.  Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

NI Water’s main focus in relation to Lough Neagh is to continue to work constructively with regulators, local government, the scientific community and other stakeholders to ensure that actions are identified and taken to work toward improving the condition of Lough Neagh. 

Addressing the issues that impact Lough Neagh is a shared challenge that requires collaboration across all sectors. NI Water remains committed to playing its part, alongside others, in supporting evidence‑led solutions to improve water quality in the Lough and its catchment.

NI Water has an established relationship with the agricultural community, and have many successful working partnerships with farmers across Northern Ireland.  We recognise that this situation may have caused concern among farmers and their representatives, and we want to reassure them that we take these issues seriously.