As NI Water continues its work with a wide range of stakeholders to reduce, diffuse and point to sources of pollution across local waterways, it is also sharing some friendly advice on how people can enjoy a boating break on Lough Erne safely and in doing so reduce their boat’s impact on the aquatic environment.

Boating on Lough Erne is very popular, especially over the summer break. The Erne is a valuable amenity for health and recreation and, in addition, supplies drinking water for around 85,000 people. It is a rare and complex blend of lakes, rivers, inlets and islands which is a haven for wildlife and tourists as it offers peace and tranquility. However, unfortunately all human activity has environmental consequences. To preserve this unique and special place, it is essential that all users minimise their environmental impact. 

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the impact your boat might be having on the aquatic environment.

Perhaps one of the most important is to comply with the Prevention of Pollution (Erne System) Regulations (NI) 1994, which are often referred to as the Erne Regulations. In common with many inland navigations this legislation makes it an offence to have a toilet on a boat capable of making a discharge directly into the waterway. Discharges of untreated sewage from boats can result in a deterioration in water quality and is a source of bacterial contamination which can be a serious risk to health if the water is swallowed whilst swimming or taking part in contact water sports.

To prevent pollution there are a number of measures you can take when boating:

• Vessels must either have a holding tank for toilet waste which can then be pumped out at a shore side pumping station OR have a chemical toilet with its own self-contained holding tank.
• If your vessel has a diverter valve then it must be set to the holding tank when the vessel is on the Erne system.
• If you do not utilise the toilet facilities on board but it is capable of flushing directly into a waterway, then you must close the sea cock and disconnect the pipework.
• Cooking waste, fats and oils should be binned and not put down the sink.
• Ensure all rubbish is kept onboard and then disposed of properly on land.
• Place drip trays below engines and gear boxes to prevent contamination of the bilges.
• It is permissible for boat shower and sink water to directly discharge into Lough Erne. However, it is recommended you use environmentally friendly soaps, shampoos and detergent that contain less chemicals.
• Ensure fuel tanks are secured safely and marked with its fuel type.
• Bring oil absorbent materials for small spillages and remove oil from bilges and dispose of it properly at approved waste facilities on land.

If you suspect or see any pollution incidents taking place whilst out on Lough Erne, you can report this by calling the NIEA 24/7 Pollution Hotline number on 0800 807060.

NI Water’s Killyhevlin water treatment works provides clean and great tasting water to around 85,000 people. Lough Erne is the source of this drinking water and by working together, we can all help lessen our impact on water quality and preserve this fabulous resource that we are all so fortunate to be able to use and enjoy.

Ends 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com