The latest report by the Drinking Water Inspectorate in Northern Ireland has revealed a marginal fall in compliance levels.

The report shows level of compliance for public drinking water supplies in 2011 stood at 99.83 per cent, compared with 99.86 per cent in 2010.

While high levels of compliance have still been achieved for many parameters, the Inspectorate said there have been significant increases in the numbers of aluminium and odour tests not complying with the standards from samples taken at consumers’ taps during 2011.

Increased numbers of microbiological contraventions in the water being supplied from service reservoirs and consumers’ taps have also been reported.

The report found that 99.91 per cent of drinking water supplies are of good microbiological quality, but this was down from 99.95 per cent last year.

The Inspectorate assesses compliance with the regulatory standards for 39 different tests over a range of microbiological and chemical parameters.

The report states that good operational practice and management should be applied at every stage in water supply to ensure that NI Water continues to provide safe, clean, drinking water. The report also highlights the need for targeted ongoing investment in infrastructure to ensure that overall compliance is maintained and quality further improved to safeguard our high quality drinking water.

Commenting on this, Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said:

“NI Water’s ongoing investment programme which focuses on continuing to improve drinking water quality, will see further upgrades to its water treatment works and distribution systems. I welcome the improvement this will bring for the overall health and wellbeing of the Northern Ireland consumer, by providing safe, clean drinking water.”