Introducing water rates in Northern Ireland could be the solution to the crumbling wastewater infrastructure and its impact on waterways, particularly Lough Neagh which is facing an environmental crisis.
The introduction of water rates in Northern Ireland could be the key to addressing crumbling wastewater infrastructure and its impact on waterways, it has been suggested. This comes as the Stormont Executive works to halt an environmental crisis at Lough Neagh where noxious blooms of blue-green algae have covered the surface of the water across the past two summers.
Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the UK and Ireland, supplies 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water and sustains a major eel-fishing industry. But it is facing a “perfect storm” of a crisis caused by pollution, nutrients, climate change and invasive species, according to Gerry Darby, manager of the Lough Neagh Partnership. He praised the approach and actions taken so far by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir but warned of wider problems that need a whole-of-Executive approach. In an interview with the PA news agency, Mr Darby said the Lough Neagh Action Plan, and particularly the setting up of a stakeholder forum led by Mr Muir, was very positive and a first for a minister. He said 10 of the actions have already been implemented, including water inspectors and looking to the private sector for innovation, but it will take decades to start to see improvement. “Is the nutrient level going to come down immediately, no it’s not, is the level of phosphorus going to come down, probably not, but at least you can now begin to look at setting targets,” Mr Darby said. “It’s important to remember it’s not just farmers, there are a lot of nutrients coming in off the waste management processing units within NI Water and septic tanks – we’re all contributing to it and other factors such as topography, there is only one river out of the lough, there is not great flow to flush it out. “There is also climate change as well as invasive species in there
ENVIRONMENT WATER RATES Lough Neagh WASTEWATER POLLUTION
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Water Quality Concerns Dominate 2024 in Northern Ireland2024 saw widespread alarm over the health of Northern Ireland's waterways, with Lough Neagh and Belfast Lough grabbing headlines. New Minister Andrew Muir visited Lough Neagh early in his tenure, warning of a repeat of the previous summer's algal blooms. Research revealed the blooms were heavily contaminated with bacteria from wildfowl, livestock, and human wastewater, posing serious health risks. Concerns also extended to Belfast Lough, where NI Water acknowledged the significant contribution of sewage overflows to bacterial contamination and the potential for harmful algal blooms.
Read more »
Companies selected to monitor Lough Neagh green algae from spaceFirms will get a share of £360,000 to develop technology to target blue-green algae in waterways.
Read more »
Property rates: High value homes could see rates rise by £943Finance minister Caoimhe Archibald lays out plans for a wide ranging review of the rating system.
Read more »
NI Water strike set for next week will 'impact safety of water supplies''It is a disgrace that Northern Ireland water workers are paid just a few pence an hour more than the basic minimum wage'
Read more »
Scottish Water Launches Free Text Alert Service to Prepare Customers for Winter Water Supply IssuesAs winter approaches, Scottish Water is urging customers to sign up for its free Text Alert service to stay updated on any potential interruptions to their water supply. The service is particularly beneficial for those supporting vulnerable individuals.
Read more »
Customers face extra £260 water bill this Christmas as major water company faces ruinThames Water customers are at risk of paying hundreds of pounds more a year to help save the debt-ridden company, campaigners have claimed.
Read more »