Public concern over the safety of Northern Ireland's tap water is continuing to grow as some fear algae blooms, that have been seen in many parts of Lough Neagh, are beginning to infiltrate tap water.
The largest body of water in the British Isles, Lough Neagh is the source for over 40% of our drinking water. The growth of toxic blue-green algae has been widely reported in recent months including in parts of the River Bann, which flows out from the Lough to the Barmouth at Castlerock and along parts of the North Coast.
The presence of the algae has prompted warnings from local councils as well the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), to avoid contact with the algae which is harmful to both humans and pets.
It is believed that contact with the algae, namely cyanobacteria, has been responsible for the death of a number of dogs in the area of Rea's Wood at Antrim Lough Shore Park.
Last week a County Antrim resident was surprised to have found what appears to be a green algae-like substance in a jug of filtered tap water.
Ballymoney man Drew David filled his water filter jug from his kitchen tap, but reported that less than 24 hours later the green substance appeared. The concerned man shared a photo on social media (top of page) and commented:
"Ballymoney water out of the kitchen tap and put through the water filter. This is less than 24 hours since it was filled.
"NI Water arrived after hours to take a sample and again at 8am the following morning. Never heard of them again.
"Sits in the sunlight and never seen this before. It was filtered first. The water comes from the River Bann, so fed from the Lough."
It is understood NI Water took a sample late on Monday night (4th September) and early on Tuesday morning (5th). The concerned resident said he was told by NI Water they would be in touch in 1-2 days.
"This is a week now. Will try them again and see," commented Drew.
Love Ballymena approached NI Water today, Tuesday 12th September, for comment on this specific incident.
A spokesperson for NI Water responded:
“NI Water cannot comment on the contents of the filter or of the filter jug shown in the image. Filter jugs can be particularly problematic if the jug has not been regularly cleaned or the filter has not been replaced in line with manufacturer’s instructions. It is also advised to keep the filter jug in the fridge and out of sunlight.
“The most accurate way for NI Water to test a water supply is to take samples of the water directly from the cold drinking water tap in the kitchen. Samples are lifted in specific sample bottles, and by trained samplers to ensure the sample is not compromised.
“NI Water is always willing to take samples of drinking water at customer’s taps, on request. NI Water will respond to the customer in question with the results of their drinking water sample from their tap."
Another member of the public has since shared his concerns on over the quality of tap water.
Commenting on social media Eddy Quinn shared the photo above and said:
"This is the bottom of the tank for my coffee machine that was washed and "fresh" tap water put in yesterday.
"The blue-green algae from Lough Neagh seems to have made its way into our tap water. I've seen numerous reports today of similar problems in Ballymoney and surrounding areas.
"This is water pumped from the Bann to Ballinrees Reservoir and to surrounding homes."
Meanwhile another concerned person posted a photo of two water bowls.
Amanda Magee said:
"Has this travelled to Limavady? Tried something with two water bowls in my back garden... one (out of) a rain barrel and one from the tap - three days."
Despite public concerns, NI Water says it is "confident" in the quality of water from it's treatment works.
A NI Water spokesperson stated:
“NI Water is confident there is no water quality issue in relation to the drinking water produced by the Water Treatment Works that abstract water from Lough Neagh.
"NI Water monitors its raw water intakes from Lough Neagh and the final treated water produced at its treatment works on a daily basis, to ensure that drinking water supplied to customers meets strict drinking water quality standards.”