Write a comment
NI| Water have said that they are confident that the current bad taste and smell of the water supply in areas affected in Newry and south Armagh will return to normal as the blue-green algae disperses in Lough Neagh.
Residents have been complaining about the taste and smell of water from taps which in the County Armagh part of Newry are in the main supplied from Lough Neagh. The lough has an ongoing issue with the presence of blue green algae. The water tastes mouldy or earthy. Many people have resorted to bottled water or a water filter although it's not certain that the filter helps in this specific case.
When asked how long this is likely to affect the water a NI Water spokesperson said to Newry.ie "We are confident as the algae naturally disperses in Lough Neagh, the situation will resolve and water taste and odour will return to normal for affected customers."
On the NI Water website they explain "NI Water is aware that some of our customers who are supplied from Water Treatment Works sourcing water from Lough Neagh are experiencing taste and smell issues with their water supply.
"This is related to increased algae levels in Lough Neagh which can produce naturally occurring organic compounds that may cause an unpleasant taste and smell even after going through our robust treatment process. Although the taste and odour can be unpleasant, these organic compounds are not harmful to health and the drinking water is safe to use as normal. The water supply is rigorously tested in our laboratories where we can confirm that it is safe to drink."
Storing tap water in the fridge before use may help with improving the taste and smell of the water .
If you want to check where your water is supplied from go to www.niwater.com
