Lough Neagh water safe to consume, but algae plague expected to return this summer

There have also been complaints about the water’s taste and smell, an official told Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Earlier this week, the Rivers Trust described Lough Neagh — which supplies 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water — as an “ecological disaster”.

During a presentation to the council on Monday, councillors were told it “remains to be safe”.

Sinn Fein councillor Anne Marie Logue asked about the impact of blue-green algae blooms visible in the lough last summer.

An official said there had been “issues last year around taste” and there have been “some complaints about odour”.

“It does require enhanced treatment but the water is safe and safe to drink,” he stated.

“Blue-green algae is a challenge and will be a challenge for years to come, I believe the expectation is that it will be back this year.”

Watch: Sam McBride's in-depth look at Lough Neagh's blue-green algae crisis

He stressed that NI Water would “do its best to ensure the quality of water” for customers.

“It is safe and remains to be safe, but odour is an issue.”

Antrim DUP councillor John Smyth asked about the presence of microplastics in water.

The official replied: “We test across all the problems out there. Microplastics is an issue that the industry is trying to work through.”

Investment in the water network is scheduled in the south Antrim area at Dorisland, Stiles Way and Beltoy and Unagh.

Investment in the wastewater system is planned at Dunadry, Neillsbrook, Hightown Road and Whitehouse, Glenavy Road, Crumlin and Antrim drainage area.

Councillors were advised all future investments are subject to funding by the Stormont Executive. They also heard potential development sites are “heavily restricted” in terms of connection to the main network, which NI Water has described as “a major concern”.

Capacity constraints, councillors were told, have resulted in flooding at Shore Road.

They were also informed of “capacity constraints in all council areas across NI”.

NI Water urged developers to work with it before seeking permission to build, as Northern Ireland’s creaking infrastructure can’t cope.

“Our message is to contact NI Water early before applying for planning permission. First, submit a development inquiry. If there are capacity issues, applicants will be asked for an impact assessment for water and wastewater,” an official stated.

Of those recommended for refusal, he asked for developers to talk to NI Water “to find a technical solution”.

“But we are running out of options in some areas,” he acknowledged.

The council was asked to help raise awareness over damage caused by businesses disposing of fats, oils and grease inappropriately which can accumulate and result in “fatbergs”.