A new report shows that Northern Ireland Water has continued to outperform its environmental compliance target set by the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation.

According to the Water Utility Regulation Summary Report 2013, sewage discharge compliance by major sewerage works, which need to comply with European Directives, is at an all time record high of 98%.

Welcoming the news, Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan said:

“There has been a sustained improvement with compliance of discharges from wastewater treatment works, especially the key ones that need to meet European directives. Compliance with the Directive has improved from 86% in 2007 to 98% in 2013.”

“This sustained performance is a direct result of investment through the upgrading of existing and, where required, new treatment works facilities.

“But we cannot be complacent. Compliance for all wastewater treatment works has increased from 84% in 2007 to 93% in 2012. Although there has been a slight drop in compliance to 92% in 2013 this is still a very high standard and NIW continues to outperform its 2013 target set by the Utility Regulator.

“We do though need to continue to do more, and I expect further improvements in compliance in the future.”

The Water Utility Regulation Summary Report 2013 is the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) 2013 assessment of compliance of water utility discharges made by NIW and the companies who carry out wastewater treatment under Public Private Partnership contracts (PPP).

Water and sewerage services delivered through the PPPs, in which private finance has been used to construct water and wastewater treatment works include NIW PPP contracts with Coastal Clearwater Ltd, Glen Water Ltd and Kelda Water Services Alpha Ltd.