Bathing water at local beaches is ‘excellent’

Bathing water at local beaches is ‘excellent’

13 November 2024

THE quality of bathing water at a number of local beaches has been branded “excellent” in the latest report published by a leading government department, but Newcastle only picked up a “sufficient” classification.

Kilclief, Ballyhornan, Tyrella and Murlough feature highly in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs report which revealed that province-wide, bathing waters continued to perform well this year despite a rather gloomy and wet summer. 

Sea swimming was banned in Newcastle last June and August after E.coli levels were discovered to be one third higher than the threshold.

Swimmers who regularly take to the water at the town’s harbour and along Newcastle seafront were banned after water samples analysed by the Environment Agency as part of its routine testing programme revealed the increase.

In June, the results indicated that E.coli levels were 1,700. The level of the bug which sparks an immediate swimming ban are 1,250.

The discovery of the bacteria — which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea — was made on what was one of the hottest days of the year.

In addition to causing vomiting and diarrhoea, E.coli can also lead to stomach pains and cramps and in worst case scenarios, the bug can lead to kidney failure if not properly managed.

Posters were erected along the promenade and at the harbour warning people not to enter the water when the E.coli levels were discovered on both occasions, with the all clear for swimmers to return to the water coming 24 hours later.

All 26 identified bathing waters in Northern Ireland have met the required standards for water quality when measured against the standards for faecal indicator organisms but Newcastle could do better.

Northern Ireland Water insisted that the presence of E.coli was not related to the town’s sewage treatment facility and that all its wastewater facilities and so-called combined sewer overflows in the Newcastle area were checked following the discovery of the bug and that “nothing untoward” was found during the inspections.

Publishing the latest DAERA report on bathing water, the minister at the helm of the government department said 22 bathing waters across the province were classified as ‘excellent’ which is a prerequisite for the coveted Blue Flag Award and the highest water quality standard with no beach failing to meet the minimum standard.

Mr Muir said even with the wet summer and poor weather, it is encouraging to see so many of Northern Ireland’s bathing waters maintaining high standards for water quality.

He added: “Our bathing waters are a huge asset to Northern Ireland, valued by locals and visitors alike, and my Department will continue to work with the agriculture sector, NI Water and bathing water operators to manage risks to water quality and strive for improvements.”