AQW 26748/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 02/12/2021
Answered On Date: 09/12/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her plans to develop a coastal warning system for bathers and sea-sports enthusiasts to inform them of sewage discharges from NI Water infrastructure.

Answer:

NI Water collaborates with stakeholders to improve bathing water quality and shares knowledge of bathing water risks through its Integrated Environmental Modelling (IEM) Programmes, event duration monitors (EDM) and real-time instrumentation networks, but has confirmed that it currently has no plans, or funding, to develop an in-house bathing water quality predictive system.

However, NI Water continues to work through the DAERA led Better Beaches Forum which has developed an action plan focussed on improving water quality. The provision of EDMs at all storm overflow points within 2km of bathing waters is part of the action plan.