Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013
Introduction and Foreword
I am pleased to present Northern Ireland Our ongoing investments in water treatment, Water’s (NI Water) Annual Drinking Water storage and watermains have maintained Quality report covering the calendar year regulatory compliance and improved our 2013. I am delighted to report that our quality of service. Whilst we continue to water quality results have improved and make progress, we need to continue to continue their upward trend and we are invest for the future to meet the lower proud to deliver a very high drinking water regulatory compliance level for lead in quality to our customers. 2014 onwards.
As a provider of one of Northern Irelands During 2013 we detected elevated levels of most essential services we put the needs pesticides in our catchments, largely caused of our customers, both existing and future, by wash-off from farm land during the very at the heart of all that we do. With this in wet weather events we experienced. We are mind we are committed to providing high liaising closely with the farming community quality drinking water in a cost effective and other stakeholders through the Water manner. By doing this we contribute to Catchment Partnership and the SCaMP NI the health and wellbeing of the community programme to try and minimise the chances and the needs of commercial customers in of reoccurrence of this in the future. a sustainable way. Our capital investment programme for the Drinking water is carefully monitored and reporting period to maintain and safeguard tested for quality. This report summarises water quality is detailed by council area in NI Water’s results from 1 January 2013 to Appendix 3. 31 December 2013 to meet the requirements of the Regulations under which we operate. We are committed to overcome the During this reporting period, 99.85% of all challenges presented to us and will continue tests carried out on samples taken from to work closely with our economic and customers’ taps and authorised supply points, environmental regulators, the Consumer complied with the regulatory standards Council and other stakeholders throughout assessed using the Mean Zonal Compliance this process. (MZC) method of assessment. This assessment I trust you will find this report informative and demonstrates that NI Water produced the relevant to your needs. You can be assured best ever drinking water quality in 2013. of our commitment to maintaining and As part of NI Water’s reporting requirements, where possible improving the quality of the this report also incorporates data to meet drinking water delivered to our customers. the requirements of the Water Supply NI Water exceeds the targets placed upon (Water Fittings) Regulations (NI) 2009. it to comply with regulatory water quality standards, and will continue to improve our At the same time as producing the best ever service to customers in the future. quality of drinking water for our customers, NI Water also returned the highest ever Sara Venning quality of treated wastewater safely back Chief Executive Officer to the environment.
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 1 Contents Page
Introduction and Foreword 1 Public Information 18 Contents Page 2 Drinking Water Register 18 Customer Services 18 Drinking Water Quality 3 New Self Service Platform 18 Water Quality Standards 3 Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) 3 Major Incident Information 19 Drinking Water Quality Summary – Year on Year 3 HVCA (High Volume Call Answering) 19 Major Incident and Major Emergency Website 19 Protecting Our Customers 4 Social Media 20 Drinking Water and Health 4 Lead Monitoring for Vulnerable Customers 4 Appendix 1 21 Drinking Water Quality Standards 21 Source to Tap 5 SCHEDULE 1 - Manadatory Parameters 21 Drinking Water Safety Plans 5 SCHEDULE 2 - Indicator Parameters 23 Sustainable Catchment Management Planning Northern Ireland (SCaMP NI) 5 Explanatory Notes 23 SCaMP NI Example Project 6 Appendix 2 24 Control of Pesticides 7 Water Quality Report for Water Supply Zones 24 Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001 8 Water Quality Report for Authorised Supply Points 25 Mains Rehabilitation 8 Water Quality Report for Water Treatment Works 25 Monitoring Drinking Water Quality 9 Water Quality Report for Service Reservoirs 25 2013 Mean Zonal Compliance 26 Sufficiency of Supply 9 Appendix 3 27 Drinking Water Inspectorate - Technical Audit 10 Water Quality by Northern Ireland Local Council Area 27 Water Quality Events 10 Example Events 10 Appendix 4 55 Regulatory Enforcement 11 Water Quality Events 55 Quality Assurance 11 Appendix 5 60 Use of Technology 11 Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (NI) 2009 60 Enforcement Policy 60 Water Quality Summary 12 NI Water Customer Base 60 Overall Water Quality 12 Enforcement Data 60 Microbiological Quality 12 Promotion of the Regulations 60 Physical and Chemical Quality at Customer tap 12 Notifications 61 Water Quality Issues 14 Approved Contractors Scheme 61 Summary 15 Inspections (Other than those arising from Notification) 61 Further information 15 Enforcement Actions 62 Investing for the Future 16 Disputes 62 Asset Management 16 General Information 62 Research, Development and Innovation 16 Action taken by NI Water 62 Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (NI) 2009 17 Reporting Year Recap 62 Water Regulation Background 17 Looking Forward 63 Appendix 6 64 Glossary of Technical Terms 64
2 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Drinking Water Quality
Water Quality Standards NI Water assesses standards for water quality the local Environmental Health Officer and against the parameters listed in Appendix 1. the Drinking Water Inspectorate. During 2013 Drinking Water Quality in The standards in the Regulations are normally Northern Ireland was assessed against expressed as ‘Prescribed Concentrations or To assist in understanding the contents of standards set in the Water Supply (Water Values’ (PCV) and are generally specified as this report, a glossary of technical terms is Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) maximum, minimum, percentile or average provided (Appendix 6). 2007 as appended by the 2010 updated concentrations for a particular substance. regulations. The regulations incorporate Standards are set to ensure that water is Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) the requirements of the European safe to drink and aesthetically acceptable. Commission’s Drinking Water Directive Assessment of the quality of water 98/83/EC (the “Directive”) relating to the The Regulations set demanding standards supplied to NI Water’s customers is quality of water intended for human for the quality of drinking water but currently monitored using a measurement consumption and, for certain parameters, contraventions of these standards do not known as “Mean Zonal Compliance”. more stringent UK national standards. necessarily mean the water represents any This is the average water quality supplied to public health risk. These contraventions are our customers and is based on 37 specified The Regulations set out the requirements reported to the Drinking Water Inspectorate, individual or combined parameters measured to be met by NI Water when supplying investigated by NI Water, and prompt at either customers’ taps or authorised supply water for domestic or food production remedial action taken where appropriate. purposes and include: points. These parameters are specified by NI Water has a monitoring programme in the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). • water quality standards for wholesomeness; place which covers raw waters, water at This method provides a simple means of • sampling locations for monitoring purposes; various treatment stages, drinking water in summarising drinking water compliance distribution and at customer tap. NI Water • minimum requirements for the number, and comparing year on year performance, liaises with its customers on a wide variety frequency and types of water samples and gives a consistent method of comparing of issues. Where there is an exceedance of to be taken at sampling locations; water quality across the UK. a regulatory parameter, investigations and • water sample collection and testing regimes; remedial work are carried out to ensure • maintaining records of water sample that drinking water is regulatory compliant. results; and Where the monitoring programme • the provision and publication highlights a problem with the customer’s of information. plumbing, NI Water informs the customer,
Drinking Water Quality Summary – Year on Year Compliance assessed against the “Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010”
Reporting Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Mean Zonal Compliance (average water quality at 99.02% 99.34% 99.32% 99.50% 99.76% 99.82% 99.83% 99.80% 99.85% customer tap at parameter level)
Water Treatment Works 99.89% 99.90% 99.92% 99.95% 99.92% 99.99% 100.00% 99.98% 99.93% Water Quality
Overall Quality at all NI Water 99.49% 99.64% 99.60% 99.69% 99.80% 99.87% 99.84% 99.77% 99.81% Sites and Customer Taps
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 3 Protecting Our Customers
Drinking Water and Health Lead Monitoring for The safety of drinking water is a paramount Vulnerable Customers public health concern. It is a tribute to the The regulatory limit for lead was reduced skills and expertise of colleagues working from 25µg/l to 10µg/l at the end of 2013. for drinking water providers, regulators, In advance of this reduction, from 2011 health authorities and local authorities that NI Water (in liaison with the Northern Ireland the safety of drinking water in Northern Education Authorities) put in place a Ireland is something that the public is able monitoring programme to identify to take for granted. potential high lead levels for schools. The Drinking Water Liaison Group (DWLG) Primary Schools in Northern Ireland have is a multi-agency group which considers been prioritised based on the age of the public health issues associated with the school and dates of any building modification drinking water supply. The Group, which and sampled as part of this programme. is unique in the UK context, draws its Any school where lead levels were found membership from the main stakeholder to be above the future 10µg/l standard has organisations including the Department been investigated and the lead pipework of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, replaced by NI Water and the Education the Public Health Agency, the Drinking Authorities, as appropriate. During 2013, Water Inspectorate, the Northern Ireland 2 primary schools had this plumbing replaced. Public Health Laboratory, the Chief Environmental Health Officers’ Group This monitoring programme was expanded and NI Water. to children’s hospitals and children’s homes during 2013. Other non-domestic locations The group produced a comprehensive where children spend a significant amount guidance document on “Drinking Water and of their time will be considered as they Health” aimed at professionals from a variety are identified. of backgrounds who share an interest and involvement in the safety of drinking water. The purpose of this joint guidance is to set out the roles and responsibilities of the key players, to describe the wider context to the provision of safe drinking water, to detail the arrangements and protocols in place to monitor compliance with standards and to respond to an emergency or incident situation.
This guidance is a “living document” that will be regularly reviewed and updated.
The guidance document can be found at: www.niwater.com/drinking-water- guidance
4 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Source to Tap
Drinking Water Safety Plans A Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP) is the most effective way of ensuring that a water supply is safe for human consumption and that it meets the health based standards and other regulatory requirements. It is based on a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach to all the steps in a water supply chain from catchment to consumer.
The primary objectives of a DWSP in protecting human health and ensuring good water supply practice are the minimisation of contamination of source waters and effective treatment using appropriate processes. DWSPs are used to map water supply systems, identify the hazards at each stage of the system from catchment, through treatment and the to increase the benefits gained and minimise of guidance on land use). These solutions distribution system, to the customer’s tap, risks from the environment. Water catchments can either be on NI Water land or private and to assess the risks that these hazards pose. are designed to be the first stage of a multiple land so long as it can be shown that NI barrier approach to water treatment. Water receives benefits against a primary The Water Industry has adopted the DWSP driver over a period of time. It is therefore approach to risk management from the raw 2 NI Water owns approximately 94km of necessary to be able to assess the benefits. water source, through water treatment, land in Northern Ireland and has an active distribution and to our customer’s taps. interest in many times this area of land Approach NI Water has put in place systems to identify within drinking water catchments that are A Steering Group has been set up with hazards, assess risks and implement mitigation owned by others. NI Water has a number of representation from a wide range of measures, which could potentially threaten objectives associated with its land holdings environmental stakeholders. The aim of each stage of the water supply process. that it is working to meet. These add value the group is to ensure that SCaMP NI NI Water works with the Northern Ireland to the lands primary function as a drinking actions are aligned with best practice and Environment Agency (NIEA), the Drinking water catchment, and offers benefits and the aims and objectives of all stakeholders, Water Inspectorate, Forestry Service and other opportunities to the wider community of therefore contributing holistically to Non-Government Organisations to protect Northern Ireland. sustainable catchment management. the raw water sources from contamination. The objective is to improve the quality NI Water will seek to develop: The outputs of these plans – “The Drinking and reliability of the raw water received • Solutions that focus on addressing the Water Safety Plans” themselves continue to at NI Water’s raw water abstraction points source of the problem, rather than dealing be embedded into company policies and through sustainable catchment based with the consequences. procedures and are reviewed using a risk solutions that focus on protecting the natural based approach each year. environment through achieving favourable • Win-win solutions, that offers benefits condition and habitat improvement. under as many of the primary and NI Water uses the DWSP risk assessments secondary drivers as possible. to inform the investment strategy for The SCAMP Policy formalises NI Water’s drinking water. approach to meeting a number of Opportunities to work with other legislative drivers as well as internal governments departments, non-government Sustainable Catchment and external objectives. organisations and environmental stakeholders Management Planning to attain solutions that provide shared Northern Ireland (SCaMP NI) Solution Types goals and benefits and allow increased The solutions can be based on capital leverage of investments made through SCaMP NI is an approach to sustainable interventions (which result in the maintenance positive gearing. land management within drinking water or creation of assets) or operational solutions catchments, NI Water land and that of others, (which provide a service such as the provision
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 5 Future plans SCaMP NI Example Project - the whole catchment is managed Garron Plateau Blanket Bog sustainably. NI Water has worked with • To liaise with DARD to influence agricultural Restoration tenant farmers to reduce the grazing policy to minimise pesticide issue. pressure, thus allowing the natural bog • To liaise with University of Ulster & NI Water has been working with the vegetation to recover. Also work has been QUB to explore opportunities for assistance of the RSPB and NIEA to protect done to restore the natural hydrological collaboration on research projects. and restore 2,000 hectares of peatland at conditions by blocking drains to raise the • Catchment studies in every drinking the Garron Plateau, within the catchment water table by creating peat, stone and water catchment in N Ireland to identify area of Dungonnell WTW in the Antrim Hills. sheet dams. This will result in the raising catchment actions to be carried out in The largest expanse of intact blanket bog of the water table and the “re-wetting” PC15 period. in Northern Ireland is found on the Garron of the bog, promoting colonisation by Plateau and it is home to protected birds Sphagnum moss, an essential component • Roll out The Water Catchment Partnership of prey and rare plants such as marsh of a functioning bog. The creation of these to address pesticide problems across saxifrage and bog orchid. peat dams will reduce water velocity in the N Ireland. drains and allow more settlement time, • Establish links with Irish Water for liaison Over the years there has been overgrazing thus reducing runoff and improving raw on cross border catchment issues. by livestock on the plateau and the site was water quality and reliability through • Further develop relationships with damaged during the 1960s and 1970s when improved regulation of supply through stakeholders to identify concerns and drainage ditches were dug through the bog. the retention effects by the bog. This will opportunities. Both of these activities gave rise to exposed result in cost savings at the treatment works peat which then became susceptible to as the requirement for chemical treatment erosion. This resulted in the reduced quality to remove colour from the raw water will be of raw water to Dungonnell Reservoir which reduced. The reduced energy requirements was more expensive to treat and also the for treating water will contribute to our natural hydrology of the bog was damaged. Climate Change Strategy and our aims to reduce our carbon footprint and In order to reverse the damage, a landscape greenhouse gas emissions. scale approach has been taken, ensuring that
BEFORE… Erosion, runoff, dried out vegetation AFTER… Saturated peat, enhanced habitat for wildlife & poor raw water quality & improved raw water quality
6 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Control of Pesticides Union, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, raise awareness of best practice when using The Voluntary Initiative and DARD’s College of pesticides in the garden or on the farm, Unfortunately on occasion the incorrect Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise. The aim through a voluntary approach to improve use and disposal of pesticides has led to is to deliver one message incorporating the ethos water quality. Pesticides include herbicides, higher than normal levels of pesticides in from all organisations to effectively tackle the weedkillers, fungicides and insecticides. raw water supplies. problem of pesticides in the water environment, The initial focus is in the Derg WTW catchment particularly in drinking water catchments. area and if the project is successful the To address the issue, the Water Catchment scheme will be rolled out to other drinking Partnership has been established. This is The Water Catchment Partnership aim is to water catchments. a working partnership established with proactively work together to promote and representatives from NI Water, Ulster Farmers
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 7 To better educate the community, NI Water has been liaising with the other environmental stakeholders including: DOs DON'Ts Keep a buffer Don’t allow • Department of Agriculture around house and pesticides to yard drains when enter house and Rural Development applying pesticides and yard drains
Keep away from Don’t spray near • Loughs Agency ditches, streams Using pesticides... watercourses, wells and rivers when or springs • Northern Ireland Environment Agency applying pesticides
Use the pesticide Don’t put the • Rivers Agency container and sprayer or container Stop sprayer rinsing rinsing down the • Ulster Farmers Union on the plants sink Replace lids on Do not discard the containers after lid or foil caps from rinsing and put the pesticide containers rinsed foil seal inside This liaison has resulted in the production & think on the ground the container of an educational leaflet which it is hoped About the water you drink Recycle your empty pesticide containers Do not dump will reduce the possibilities of at your civic amenity empty pesticide site or dispose as containers contamination from pesticides. DOs & directed by the label Remember take extreme care with pesticides even a small quantity DON'Ts for Pesticide entering a watercourse can lead to excess pesticide levels 30km downstream Use and Disposal
Northern Ireland Water, PO Box 1026, Belfast BT1 9DJ niwater.com Email: [email protected] Waterline: 08457 440088
Environmental Management immediate future and longer term. It is also supplies, better water quality, reduction in System (EMS) ISO 14001 to ensure adequate levels of water quality levels of leakage and allowance for growth and customer supply. in demand. NI Water considers a range NI Water’s Environmental Management System of techniques for the installation of the (EMS) has been certified to ISO 14001 and In delivering these objectives, NI Water’s rehabilitated mains. These include relining externally accredited since 2003. The EMS delivery mechanism is the Water Mains of the existing asset through online greatly assists NI Water in maintaining Rehabilitation Framework. This consists replacement by pipe insertion or pipe environmental compliance and continual of two Contractors and has delivered over bursting, to off line replacement by improvements at its over 3,500 sites whilst 1000km of new water mains in the past directional drilling or open cut techniques. providing high quality water and sewerage three years. The current investment cycle services to customers. is Price Control 13 (PC13), which will deliver Where possible, cost effective, trenchless 445km of water main infrastructure over the technologies are used to replace or Mains Rehabilitation next two years. The rehabilitation framework rehabilitate water mains to reduce the delivers water mains across Northern Ireland disruption caused by open-cut trench NI Water has identified the need to deliver as identified by the programme of work construction. Likely construction methods a significant programme of water mains from zonal studies. include pipe-bursting, slip-lining, directional rehabilitation and other works across its drilling, spray lining and open cut. The most ageing network. The works are necessary The drivers for this programme of work are appropriate technology is selected for the to ensure the efficient and cost effective the maintenance of the systems, pressure various work packages and associated operation of its water supply system in the management, reduction in interruption to ground and traffic conditions.
8 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Monitoring Drinking Water Quality
The Regulations necessitate a thorough and Works, and are considered under the The parameters for which samples are extensive water sampling programme to Regulations to be equivalent to samples tested include: be undertaken, to monitor water quality collected from the customer tap. All samples • microbiological, e.g. Coliform bacteria throughout the supply and distribution are carefully collected, handled and transported • physical, e.g. pH (Hydrogen ion) systems. The sampling locations and to ensure that they accurately represent frequencies for the monitoring of drinking the water quality which customers receive. • chemical, e.g. Iron, Manganese, Lead water quality are specified in the Regulations. NI Water uses skilled and experienced and Nitrate These monitoring arrangements are audited sampling staff for the collection and delivery • aesthetic, e.g. Colour by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). of the regulatory samples to the laboratories. The mandatory sampling programme requires All sampling staff wear uniforms and carry Compliance with the drinking water standards water samples to be collected regularly at identity cards when they call upon is determined by comparing the results of water treatment works, at service reservoirs customers to take a sample. laboratory analysis of water samples with and water towers used to store treated water the relevant Prescribed Concentrations or and at customers’ taps in the water supply Samples collected from customers’ taps Values (PCV). Where monitoring indicates zones. In addition to the regulatory sampling are taken at random addresses in each that a standard has not been met, frequency requirement, NI Water also carries water supply zone. A water supply zone is appropriate immediate investigation and out operational sampling and analyses to a designated area with a population of no remedial action is undertaken to ensure monitor and optimise the processes and more than 100,000 supplied with water by that the water supply does not present any quality of our drinking water supplies. one treatment works or blended water from public health risk. Sampling programmes several works. The number and boundaries are adjusted and increased testing may Under the Regulations, samples to be of water supply zones are subject to change be scheduled in the water supply zone for analysed for parameters which do not according to operational requirements as the parameter involved. NI Water will at all change in the supply watermain may be supply sources to areas are adjusted to meet times liaise with the DWI and the Public collected from Authorised Supply Points. demand and infrastructure developments. Health Agency to ensure customer safety. These samples are collected from the final On this basis 50 water supply zones were distribution point of the Water Treatment monitored during the period of this report.
Sufficiency of Supply
Approximately 818,000 domestic, prepare a revised plan every 5 years or when For the period of this report, water supplies agricultural, commercial and business there is a material change in circumstances. in Northern Ireland were obtained from properties in Northern Ireland are connected three types of source, as shown: to the public water supply – this equates NI Water recently completed a Water Resource to around 99.9% of the total population. Management Plan to meet this obligation This entailed supplying an average of about and published this in March 2013. 563 million litres of high quality drinking water to customers every day during 2013. For this NI Water utilised approximately 34 sources which include upland Impounding Raw Water Sources Rivers and Reservoirs, Boreholes, Rivers and Loughs. Loughs 54.1% The Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 requires NI Water to prepare and maintain a water resources management plan to indicate how water resources will be developed and Impounding managed to enable the undertaker to meet Reservoirs its obligations. The Order requires NI Water 45.8% to review the plan on an annual basis and Boreholes 0.1%
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 9 Drinking Water Inspectorate - Technical Audit
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), a unit Water Quality Events Through-out the Event our stakeholders within the Northern Ireland Environment the DWI, Public Health Agency (PHA) Agency, has an independent responsibility NI Water is required under the Drinking Water and Environmental Health Officers (EHO) to audit drinking water quality compliance Regulations to notify the DWI whenever an were kept updated on the situation. against the standards set in the Regulations. event occurs that has the potential to impact on drinking water quality. NI Water fully This Event was declared by DWI to be Each year DWI undertakes a technical audit investigates all events and provides the a “Not Significant Event” as alternative of the measures taken by NI Water to comply DWI with a substantive report for each. supplies were provided and the water with the Regulations. The technical audit After investigation the event may be shown quality results for these were satisfactory. process includes: not to have had a detrimental effect on 2. On 28th May 2013 an Aluminium • the transfer, to DWI, of analytical results water quality and is classified in the exceedance was detected in a weekly of samples taken throughout the year, “Drinking Water Inspectorate’s Report” as operational sample of Dorisland WTW from water treatment works, service “Not Significant” or “Minor” as opposed to final water. reservoirs and customers’ taps; “Significant”, “Serious” or “Major”. • a compliance assessment of this A full list of all Water Quality Events notified An investigation carried out by the Water information against the regulatory to the DWI during 2013 is detailed in Quality Scientist for the area concluded standards; and Appendix 4. that elevated aluminium levels on 28th • carrying out an inspection programme May were due to a temporary overdosing which examines the sampling, analytical, Example Events of FAS (Ferric Aluminium Sulphate) reporting, water treatment, distribution coagulant which occurred from around policies and relevant procedures. 1. During March 2013 NI Water had to noon on Monday 27th May to early the deploy alternative water supplies. This following morning. This was due to a In 2013, the technical audit inspection was due to heavy snowfalls/ice/high fault with the automatic coagulation unit. programme included: winds which had affected the electricity supply to several Service Reservoirs (SRs) The automatic coagulation unit was • an audit of Derg Water Treatment Works; through-out Northern Ireland. taken out of service on the morning of • an audit of Deehommed SR; 28th May 2013 and coagulation control • an audit of Magheraliskmisk SR These adverse weather conditions was switched to flow-proportional. resulted in a Category-3 incident • an audit of Rathkeel SR; Meanwhile resamples were taken at the response regime being set-up. This WTW and downstream to monitor water • an audit of the Laboratory Information consisted of a Silver Response team and quality. The fault with the automatic Management System (LIMS); and a Bronze Incident team established at coagulation unit was repaired by 5th • progress reporting on agreed follow-up Ballykeel Depot, Ballymena to monitor June 2013. action including non-trivial parameter and manage the situation. contraventions. This was declared by DWI to be Only 1 tanker was required to be a “Significant Event”. DWI made a number of recommendations deployed. This was located in Straid and suggestions and NI Water has followed village in County Antrim from the 24th Lessons learnt from this Event included up on these issues. DWI will report on the to 26th March as Slimero SR was out of introducing a maximum pump stroke so inspections and the quality of water supplied service because a generator could not that this level of FAS overdosing cannot by NI Water in its annual report, due to be be deployed on site due to the weather. occur again which was noted by the published later in the year. DWI is located A population of approximately 2,500 DWI in their Event Closure Letter. at Klondyke Building, Cromac Avenue, was affected. Other affected customers Gasworks Business Park, Lower Ormeau Road, received bottled water. Belfast BT7 2JA.
10 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Regulatory Enforcement • CPEO 13/03 – to seek remedial measures • CPEO 12/01 – Dorisland WTWs relating to MCPA contraventions from contraventions of pesticide MCPA DWI put in place four “Consideration of Clay Lake WTWs. standard. Closed 07/03/2013 following Provisional Enforcement Orders” (CPEOs) • CPEO 13/04 – to seek remedial measures completion of undertakings. and one “Provisional Enforcement Order” relating to microbiological contraventions • CPEO 12/03 – Lough Bradan PEO during 2013. within the water distribution system contraventions of THMs standard. • CPEO 13/01 – to seek remedial measures supplied from Dunore WTWs. Closed 6/12/2013 following relating to iron contraventions for • PEO 13/01 – to require remedial measures completion of undertakings. properties at Gelvin Road, Dungiven, to be put in place relating to MCPA • PEO 12/03 – Caugh Hill WTWs within Brishey District Metered Area contraventions from Dorisland WTWs. contraventions of THMs standard. (DMA) in Caugh Hill water supply zone. PEO closed 11/06/2013. Closed 5/03/2013 following CPEO closed 18/10/2013. completion of undertakings. • CPEO 13/02 – to seek remedial measures Three CPEOs and one PEO issued during relating to iron contraventions for 2012 were closed during 2013. properties at Glenvale Road, Newry, • CPEO 12/02 – Caugh Hill WTWs within Aughnagon District Metered Area contraventions of aluminium, iron, (DMA) in Fofanny Mourne water supply pH, THMs, and turbidity standards. zone. CPEO closed 18/10/2013. Closed 11/07/2013 following completion of undertakings.
Quality Assurance
The Regulations require water quality to be Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditation. The system uses ruggedised PDAs which monitored using analytical systems which UKAS auditors carry out an annual audit of incorporate mobile phone technology for can demonstrate that appropriate accuracy the laboratories’ quality system. communication. A built in barcode scanner is achieved and maintained. NI Water attaches is used to scan the labels on the sample great importance to the integrity of the In order to rapidly detect Cryptosporidium bottles and GPS (Global Positioning System) analysis and for this reason applies strict oocysts NI Water has a Cryptosporidium is used to give an accurate location fix and laboratory analytical quality control Analytical Unit at its Altnagelvin Laboratory. time for each sample as it is collected. As the procedures. These systems and procedures This Unit has Drinking Water Inspectorate sampler returns to the laboratory, this data are subject to external inspection and audit approval and is instrumental in the is downloaded with all the ancillary audit by the Drinking Water Inspectorate and an development of new accredited methods for data onto NI Water’s Laboratory Information assessment of NI Water’s performance is the water industry. This unit has also been Management System (LIMS) where it updates included in the Inspectorate’s annual report. awarded United Kingdom Accreditation the existing sample information. This system Service (UKAS) accreditation. is currently being upgraded to more fully NI Water has achieved the requirements automate the audit trail and chain of custody. of the Drinking Water Testing Specification, NI Water laboratories provide an accredited (DWTS). This is a national scheme agreed analytical service to external customers for Within the laboratory environment the between the Drinking Water Inspectorate both drinking water quality testing and majority of analytical results are transferred and the United Kingdom Accreditation wastewater quality testing. directly into LIMS via direct data capture Service for quality assurance within from the laboratory instrumentation. laboratories carrying out analysis for Use of Technology This information transference minimises the water industry. the possibility of transcription errors and To assist in its ability to audit its sampling gives an enhanced audit trail. In addition to this, both of NI Water’s Testing programme, NI Water has put in place a laboratories have attained the necessary Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) based standard of analytical excellence and system to produce an enhanced audit trail have been awarded United Kingdom and to eliminate data transcription errors.
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 11 Water Quality Summary
NI Water Sites in Service During 2013, the numbers of NI Water sites in service were:
Location Type Number in Service Water Treatment Works 25 Service Reservoirs 316 Water Supply Zones 50 Authorised Supply Points (see glossary) 25
Overall Water Quality Many instances of microbiological failure in Physical and Chemical Quality samples taken from customers’ taps are due at Customer tap 99,567 microbiological, physical and chemical to contamination of the tap itself, in particular tests were carried out for mandatory and with mixer type kitchen taps. For this reason Physical and chemical quality standards indicator parameters on water samples if a positive result is obtained, investigations apply to water supplied at customers’ taps. taken from water treatment works, service are immediately carried out to identify if The Regulations lay down the required reservoirs and customers’ taps in the year the positive result is due to the specific tap sampling frequency for each parameter 2013. 99,381 of these tests complied with or the general system. If the contamination or group of parameters dependent on the the regulatory standards giving an overall is found to be due to the tap or internal resident population of the water supply zones. percentage compliance of 99.81%. Under plumbing NI Water will inform the customer the Regulations a subset of these parameters in writing of the reason for the failure so that • 34,431 physical and chemical tests were is used to assess Mean Zonal Compliance they can take appropriate action. A copy of assessed against their consent for water at customer tap (as set out in Appendix 2). the letter is also provided to the Public Health samples taken at customers’ taps or Agency, the local Environmental Health authorised supply points in the year Microbiological Quality Officer and the DWI. 2013. 34,362 of these tests complied with the regulatory standards giving a Water leaving water treatment works is A summary of the microbiological quality compliance of 99.80% for physical and disinfected with chlorine to safeguard public of water supplied in 2013 is given below. chemical tests. health by destroying microorganisms. This is the most important part of the water treatment process. NI Water has developed Overall Microbiological Water Quality a disinfection policy for water treatment and individual disinfection statements for each water treatment works. This will continue to ensure that all water supplied by NI Water is adequately disinfected, and water supplied to customers is safe and pathogen free.
To ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and chlorination process, the wholesomeness of treated water is regularly examined to ensure the absence of total coliforms and faecal coliforms (E. coli) at water treatment works, service reservoirs and in the distribution system at customers’ taps. The presence of these organisms may indicate potential microbiological contamination of water supplies, and if they are detected in drinking water, immediate action is taken to identify the source and to minimise any risk to public health.
12 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Appendix 2 shows the extent of NI Water’s Mean Zonal Compliance by Chemical Parameter compliance with the regulatory standards at both customer tap and authorised supply point. For most parameters, compliance is judged on the basis of the results of individual samples. If a single sample exceeds the PCV, that supply is deemed not to comply with the regulatory standards, even if the cause is outside NI Water’s control, e.g. defective plumbing within premises. Improved compliance will be achieved through the water treatment works investment programme and thereafter through improvements to the distribution system. Appendix 2 also shows the Mean Zonal Compliance achieved by NI Water for 2013.
Overall Water Quality
Overall Water Quality Number of Number of % Number of % Compliance Analytical Tests Compliance Tests with Tests Exceeding with Exceeding Regulatory PCV Regulatory PCV or Standards Standards Authorised including Departures Authorised Departures Water Leaving Treatment Works Bacteriological Analysis 13,234 10 99.92 10 99.92 Indicator parameters 6,617 18 99.73 18 99.73 Total 19,851 28 99.86 28 99.86
Water in Service Reservoirs Bacteriological Analysis 32,236 30 99.91 30 99.91 Total 32,236 30 99.91 30 99.91
Water at Customers’ Taps or Authorised Supply Points Bacteriological Anal inc Coliforms 13,049 59 99.55 59 99.55 Zone Chemical Analysis 17,696 65 99.63 65 99.63 Supply Point Chemical Analysis 10,208 3 99.97 3 99.97 Indicator parameters 6,527 1 99.98 1 99.98 Total 47,480 128 99.73 128 99.73
Total Mandatory Parameters 86,423 167 99.81 167 99.81 Total Indicator Parameters 13,144 19 99.86 19 99.86
Overall Water Quality Total 99,567 186 99.81 186 99.81
Explanatory notes of exceedances of the microbiological and chemical quality standards with less than 100% compliance are provided in the following section.
(Taste & Odour have been removed from the overall compliance assessment as data validation for these parameters is still ongoing. All the required regulatory samples were scheduled and collected for analysis.)
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 13 Water Quality Issues
During 2013 the following main parameters of concentrations at the customers’ tap Where water mains are being rehabilitated, exceeded their prescribed concentration exceeding the lead standard. NI Water replaces any lead communication or value. pipes encountered to the boundary of the Many older properties still have service pipes property and the property owner is informed Aluminium and internal plumbing wholly or partly in writing. comprised of lead. If a sample is found to The standard set for aluminium is based on exceed the limit for lead in drinking water, The lead PCV (Prescribed Concentration aesthetic considerations. A number of water the customer, the Public Health Agency, or Value) reduced significantly from the supplies may contain concentrations of the local Environmental Health Officer and old limit of 25µg/l to the current limit of aluminium which could exceed the standard DWI are notified. Where it is found that the 10µg/l at the end of 2013. All non-borewell from time to time because of changes in exceedance is attributable to a lead service supplies in Northern Ireland are treated raw water quality or treatment process pipe NI Water will replace free of charge, with a small amount of orthophosphoric fluctuations. These treatment processes any of its lead pipes supplying the property. acid, which forms a protective coating over are regularly reviewed and upgraded It will be the responsibility of the property lead pipes, to minimise levels of lead in the where required to lower the aluminium owner to replace any lead pipework on water supply. This dosing is reviewed levels to below regulatory levels. the property. annually for each water treatment works and agreed with the DWI. Iron NI Water will also replace free of charge, any of its lead pipes supplying a property, The effectiveness of the dosing can be The iron standard has been set for aesthetic if it receives a written request from a seen in the graph below, showing the reasons as levels persistently above the customer who has replaced the portion optimisation of the dosing from the water standard can give rise to discoloured water of lead service pipe for which the treatment works to meet the new regulations. and particulate matter. Where the standard householder is responsible. for iron has not been met, this may be due to problems of corrosion of iron watermains. There is an ongoing proactive programme of flushing and cleaning of the distribution % Lead Exceedance against New Regulations system to minimise the problem. In addition, NI Water has an ongoing Water Mains Rehabilitation Programme in which supply zones that experience water quality and other supply problems are subjected to a detailed zonal study. These detailed zonal studies include the analysis of historic water quality data (including iron) and customer complaint information and the implementation of targeted water quality sampling and analysis programmes to determine the nature and extent of the water quality problems. Appropriate solutions to the problems are then developed which include mains cleaning and renovation and replacement of parts of the distribution system. Implementation of the solutions is undertaken either by NI Water or its contractors.
Lead A leaflet on lead in drinking water is available from the NI Water website at Water leaving treatment works and in the www.niwater.com/about-your-water distribution systems contains only trace amounts of lead. However, where lead has been used for service pipes between the watermain and the kitchen tap or in domestic plumbing, there may be a risk
14 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Amongst other details, this leaflet explains who is responsible for replacing each part Total Trihalomethanes (THMs) of the lead in the domestic system. THMs are chlorination by-products arising from the reaction of chlorine, used for Responsibility for Pipes disinfection, with natural organic material The diagram below shows who is responsible for which pipes. present in water. The maintenance of microbiological quality by disinfection using chlorine is NI Water’s main priority. NI Water’s water abstractions are predominantly drawn from surface sources, which can contain these natural organic materials.
NI Water’s ongoing water treatment works investment programme is designed to provide improved treatment to reduce organic matter prior to chlorination and thereby reduce THM levels. Further improved compliance over all of Northern Ireland is expected as improvements to water treatment works and the distribution system continue.
In addition to its ongoing programmes of work, NI Water is constantly reviewing its operational procedures to reduce THM Manganese their way into watercourses from a variety levels in the distribution system, whilst of sources, mainly from use in agriculture maintaining microbiological quality. Manganese occurs naturally in many water or weed control. NI Water has an ongoing sources. Concentrations can vary seasonally pesticide monitoring programme and Turbidity or be attributed to the disturbance of currently analyses samples for 47 individual Particulate matter, usually the re-suspension accumulated deposits at the bottom of pesticides. NI Water liaises with other of sediments present in the distribution reservoirs when the water is drawn down regulatory bodies in Northern Ireland such system, affects the turbidity of drinking or when water circulation occurs. The as the Northern Ireland Environment Agency water. Systematic flushing of the local pipe standard for manganese has been set for (NIEA) regarding the control of pesticide usage. aesthetic reasons to prevent unpleasant work usually restores water quality. tastes, staining or discoloured water. The pesticide exceedances were for one of the more commonly used pesticides – MCPA. Summary Nickel NI Water is engaged on an ongoing series of All exceedances of the regulatory standard A single exceedance was noted for nickel. catchment management plans as part of its are investigated following procedures agreed This was investigated, and no repeat overall Drinking Water Safety Plans which with the Health Authorities and the Drinking exceedance was recorded. Nickel include looking at pesticide usage and Water Inspectorate. Closure of an event exceedances are often found to be due to control. The Water Catchment Partnership cannot take place without their approval. the customer tap and chrome/nickel plating. mentioned previously, has been setup to address pesticide problems across Further information Pesticides Northern Ireland and raise awareness of Various information leaflets giving more the risks of using pesticide products close Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, details of water information may be found at to drinking water abstraction sources. fungicides and algaecides. These can find www.niwater.com/about-your-water
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 15 Investing for the Future
Asset Management suffering low water pressure. In addition to It contains projects designed to improve the investment targeted at improving the drinking water quality and compliance of In May 2010 the Minister for Regional quality of service, capital investment is also our consented discharges while protecting Development provided Social and targeted at maintaining the serviceability the environment and providing an Environmental Guidance which outlined of our assets, now and in the future. improved service to our customers. the priorities for investment for NI Water for the period 2010 to 2013 (PC10). The guidance NI Water operates an integrated asset NI Water, together with other UK Water set a Mean Zonal Compliance target of not management system to ensure that Companies, employs research bodies such less than 99.7% for water quality during this investment is properly targeted and prioritised. as the United Kingdom Water Industry period. This guidance (and target) has Research Ltd (UKWIR) and the Water Research subsequently been extended to cover the NI Water supplies potable water to all of Centre (WRc) to provide a collaborative period 2013 to 2015 (PC13). NI Water has Northern Ireland. A breakdown of water programme of research. This is tailored to developed business plans (PC10 & PC13) quality by local council area detailing suit the needs of the UK water industry and to deliver or exceed this target through capital investment during the reporting where required, specifically to suit the needs appropriate investment. These are largely a period is given at Appendix 3. of NI Water. The research programme covers continuation of the investment plans made a wide range of business areas including; during the period 2007 to 2010. The water Research, Development Best Practice, Climate Change, Regulation quality section of the PC13 plan includes and Innovation and Sustainability. laying 445km of new or renewed watermains and the upgrading of water treatment works, NI Water, through its Research, Development The RDI section also manages projects which service reservoirs and pumping stations. and Innovation (RDI) section, undertakes require industry specialists to provide We are part way through the PC13 period a programme of applying research and expertise to bridge knowledge gaps and and are on target to deliver the planned technology development. NI Water’s RDI solve problems specific to NI Water. drinking water capital investment. NI Water investment is targeted to meet business needs has also prepared a further Business Plan by facilitating the transfer of technology Through the RDI section NI Water collaborates (PC15) to cover the 6 year regulatory period and systems developed by others. It is with, and supports local and UK university 2015 to 2021. This is based on new draft predominantly focussed on incremental research. NI Water is a member of Queens Social and Environmental Guidance and innovation, and optimisation i.e. producing University Environmental Science and builds upon the improvements made more out of existing assets. Innovation, Technology Research Centre (QUESTOR) during PC10 and PC13. where appropriate, is employed to support which is an international environmental the development of standards and best research organisation based at Queens These investments will seek to maintain and practice, across all of NI Water’s activities. University Belfast. locally improve our water quality compliance as well as improving levels of service to This programme is driven by the desire to customers, for example, for customers improve quality, whilst making efficiency gains.
16 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (NI) 2009
Water Regulation Background Description 2013 Number NI Water was granted an operating license to provide water and sewerage services in *Total number of Domestic and Non-Domestic Inspections 1076 Northern Ireland on 1st April 2007 replacing the former Water Service which was an *Total number of Contraventions recorded 2762 executive agency within DRD. This change in the delivery of water and sewerage services *Total number of Contraventions rectified 1538 in Northern Ireland was as a result of new legislation – The Water and Sewerage *Total Number of outstanding contraventions 1224 Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations *calender year (Northern Ireland) 2009 were made by the Department for Regional Development (DRD) For the purpose of this return: under Articles 114 and 300(2) of The Water • NI Water is obliged to enforce the and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006 and requirements of the Regulations and DRD came into operation on 3rd August 2009. Water Policy and Shareholder Division (WPSD) is deemed to be the Regulator NI Water has an obligation to ensure the of this activity: NI Water and WPSD meet Regulations are being complied with and quarterly to discuss issues arising under to publish a report on activities associated the Regulations, enforcement activities with customer compliance no later than and contraventions. the 30th June every year. • The Water Regulation Advisory Scheme The Water Regulations are primarily designed (WRAS) list of Standard Industrial to prevent the misuse, waste, undue Classification (SIC) codes with related consumption or erroneous measurement fluid categories shall be used to define of water and most importantly to prevent categories of non-domestic properties. contamination of drinking water. Owners and occupiers of premises and anyone NI Water’s implementation of these who installs plumbing systems or water regulations is detailed at Appendix 5. fittings have a legal duty to ensure that Detailed below are the numbers of their systems comply with the regulations. inspections completed, contraventions Advance notice must be given in most cases observed and contraventions awaiting of proposed installations, so architects, customer resolutions. building developers and plumbers have to follow the Regulations on behalf of future owners or occupiers.
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 17 Public Information
Drinking Water Register water hardness. Although the web site is New Self Service Platform live this functionality will be available at a A Drinking Water Register is produced on later date. The website address is: As part of our ongoing efforts to improve request showing detailed water quality https://selfservice.niwater.com the overall customer experience, we are results for each water supply zone. taking steps to make interactions more convenient by developing a web based The Register may be requested, free of charge, Customer Services Self Service platform. This will allow during normal working office hours through Staff in the Customer Relations Centre customers to log into their personal the customer relations centre below. record details and the nature of all account online and access their details at a Customers may request and obtain a free enquiries, requests for services, time that is convenient to them. copy of the information for the water supply emergencies and complaints. All contacts zone they live in. A charge may be made are logged and routed directly to staff that Once registered, customers will be able to: for printed information on other zones. will investigate the matter and resolve the • view the account balance; problem as quickly as possible. Customers, who wish to receive information • view the payment plan of individual schedules; about the quality of water in their water Customer Services produces a range of supply zone by post, can write to the leaflets about services provided, including • view bill and payment history; address listed below: those designed to give customers the • view desludging request history; opportunity to learn more about water Customer Relations Centre • process a new desludging request; quality standards, water efficiency and the 4th Floor • pay a bill; and need to use water wisely. The leaflets can Capital House be obtained from the Customer Relations • manage account details. 3 Upper Queen St Centre or may be viewed on the above Belfast BT1 6PU This web portal will be found at: Website at https://selfservice.niwater.com Customers can alternatively contact the www.niwater.com/about-your-water Customer Relations Centre on our Waterline: 08457 440088
Customers who have hearing difficulties can also contact us via type talk on: 08457 440088
Calls to these numbers are charged at the local rate.
Customers may also contact Customer Services by email on: [email protected] or via Twitter: @niwnews
Further information for customers may be obtained at the following website: www.niwater.com
This site also contains electronic versions of recent Water Quality reports.
With the introduction of the new Self Service web portal the Drinking Water Register will soon be available there, but in a more user friendly form. The user will be able to insert their post code and obtain details of the water quality for that location as well as details of
18 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Major Incident Information Major Incident and Major Emergency Website In a major incident or emergency situation (such as the sudden flooding following NI Water’s website routinely provides heavy rainfall in June 2012) NI Water can information to its customers regarding experience a massive increase in demand interruptions, repairs and planned for information by our customers which upgrades as well as frequently asked would overwhelm the normal systems questions and answers and links to in place. In response to these scenarios helpful sites e.g. to find a plumber etc. NI Water has additionally put in place the following methods of passing information to customers:
HVCA (High Volume Call Answering) Until recently NI Water has been limited in how many telephone callers can be answered and how much information it can provide when customers were trying to contact us in a major incident. To increase the number of calls answered and the quality of information provided, NI Water has recently installed a High Volume Call Answering If a major incident or emergency is declared, (HVCA) system. This is an “always on” NI Water’s normal website has the facility to service which monitors all incoming calls become a dedicated portal for emergency to WaterLine and takes on the additional information. This allows customers to quickly load during unexpected peaks. find out information based on their postcode.
The NI Water HVCA system recognises customers using the telephone number held on their customer record or it can use Voice Recognition to allow customers to state their Post Code etc. (Voice Recognition like this is used on many smartphones and call handling systems in banks etc).
NI Water’s customers should have a better experience when they ring us because their call will always be answered, and they should be provided with up to date information.
NI Water’s management of the incident will be improved because we will know Information available includes: when, and why, each customer has called. This allows a more detailed picture of the • Bursts reasons customers are calling and the • Alternative Water Supplies potential causes to be built up. This • Planned Restrictions to Supply technology puts NI Water on a par with • Low Reservoir Levels other utilities in Northern Ireland and other water companies in Great Britain. • Boil Notices The site support and throughput has been enhanced and allows in excess of 200,000 visits / hour by customers.
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 19 Social Media
NI Water is now actively using social media to interact with and inform its customers. This includes:
Facebook This is updated on a daily basis and in the event of a major incident will be used to communicate directly with customers.
YouTube NI Water has its own YouTube channel which hosts NI Water videos such as “How to protect your pipes”, “Saving water in the home” or “Protect from Bogus Callers”. It can also be used to host video messages for customers during a major incident.
Twitter NI Water’s twitter account is routinely used to respond directly to customers queries at @niwnews
20 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Appendix 1
Drinking Water Quality Standards Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
SCHEDULE 1 PRESCRIBED CONCENTRATIONS AND VALUES
TABLE A. MICROBIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
Part I: Directive requirements
Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum) Units of Measurement Point of compliance Enterococci 0 number/100ml Customers’ taps Escherichia coli (E. coli) 0 number/100ml Customers’ taps Coliform bacteria 0 number/100ml Customers’ taps (i)
TABLE B. CHEMICAL PARAMETERS Part I: Directive requirements Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum) Units of Measurement Point of compliance Acrylamide 0.10 µg/l (ii) Antimony 5 µg Sb/l Customers’ taps Arsenic 10 µg As/l Customers’ taps Benzene 1 µg/l Customers’ taps Benzo (a) pyrene 0.01 µg/l Customers’ taps Boron 1 mg B/l Customers’ taps
Bromate 10 µg BrO3/l Customers’ taps Cadmium 5 µg Cd/l Customers’ taps Chromium 50 µg Cr/l Customers’ taps Copper 2 mg Cu/l Customers’ taps Cyanide 50 µg CN/l Customers’ taps 1,2 Dichloroethane 3 µg/l Customers’ taps* Fluoride 1.5 mg F/l Customers’ taps
(a) 25, from 25th December 2003 until µg Pb/l Customers’ taps Lead immediately before 25th December 2013 µg Pb/l Customers’ taps (b) 10, on and after 25th December 2013
Mercury 1 µg Hg/l Customers’ taps Nickel 20 µg Ni/l Customers’ taps
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 21 Parameters Concentration or Value (maximum) Units of Measurement Point of compliance
Nitrate 50 mg NO3/l Customers’ taps
Nitrite 0.5 mg NO2/l Customers’ taps Aldrin 0.03 µg/l Customers’ taps* Dieldrin 0.03 µg/l Customers’ taps* Heptachlor 0.03 µg/l Customers’ taps* Heptachlor epoxide 0.03 µg/l Customers’ taps* Other pesticides 0.1 µg/l Customers’ taps* Total Pesticides (iii) 0.5 µg/l Customers’ taps*
PAH - Sum of four substances 0.1 µg/l Customers’ taps (iv)
Selenium 10 µg Se/l Customers’ taps
Tetrachloroethene/ 10 µg/l Customers’ taps* Trichloroethene – Sum (v)
Total Trihalomethanes (vi) 100 µg/l Customers’ taps Vinyl chloride 0.50 µg/l (ii)
Notes:
(i) NI Water, with the agreement of the (iv) The specified compounds are: Drinking Water Inspectorate, includes - benzo(b)fluoranthene Total Coliforms within the Part I: - benzo(k)fluoranthene Directive Requirements table for - benzo(ghi)perylene statistical purposes. - Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene.
(ii) The parametric value refers to the (v) The parametric value applies to the residual monomer concentration in sum of the concentrations of the the water as calculated according to individual compounds detected and specifications of the maximum release quantified in the monitoring process. from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. This is controlled (vi) The specified compounds are: by product specification. - chloroform - bromoform (iii) Total Pesticides: means the sum of - dibromochloromethane the concentrations of the individual - bromodichloromethane pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure. * May be monitored from samples of water leaving treatment works or other supply point, as no significant change during distribution.
22 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Part II: National requirements Concentration or Value Parameters Units of Measurement Point of compliance (maximum unless otherwise stated) Aluminium 200 µg Al/l Customers’ taps Colour 20 mg/l Pt/Co Customers’ taps Iron 200 µg Fe/l Customers’ taps Manganese 50 µg Mn/l Customers’ taps Sodium 200 mg Na/l Customers’ taps Tetrachloromethane 3 µg/l Customers’ taps Turbidity 4 NTU Customers’ taps
SCHEDULE 2 INDICATOR PARAMETERS
Specification Concentration Parameters Units of Measurement Point of monitoring or Value (maximum) or State
Ammonium 0.5 mg NH4/l Customers’ taps Chloride (i) 250 mg Cl/l Supply point* Clostridium perfringens 0 Number/100ml Supply point* (including spores)
Customers’ taps, Number/1ml at 22°C Colony counts No abnormal change service reservoirs Number/1ml at 37°C and treatment works Conductivity (i) 2500 µS/cm at 20°C Supply point* Hydrogen ion 9.5 pH value Customers’ taps 6.5 (minimum) pH value
Sulphate (i) 250 mg SO4/l Supply point* Total indicative dose 0.1 mSv/year Supply point* (for radioactivity) (ii) Total organic carbon (TOC) No abnormal change mg C/l Supply point* Tritium (for radioactivity) 100 Bq/l Supply point* Turbidity 1 NTU Treatment works
Notes: Explanatory Notes (i) The water should not be aggressive. Measurement Units: (ii) Excluding tritium, potassium-40, milli gramme per litre (mg/l) means one part radon and radon decay products. in a million. micro gramme per litre (µg/l) means one part * May be monitored from samples of water in a thousand million. leaving treatment works or other supply point, as no significant change during distribution. Parameter: A parameter refers to any substance, organism or property listed above.
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 23 Appendix 2
Water Quality Report for Water Supply Zones
Schedule 1 parameters 2013 Samples No > PCV % > PCV Enterococci 396 0 0.00% E. coli 5196 7 0.13% 1,2 Dichloroethane 396 0 0.00% Aluminium 1876 9 0.48% Antimony 396 0 0.00% Arsenic 396 0 0.00% Benzene 396 0 0.00% Benzo(a)pyrene 396 0 0.00% Boron 396 0 0.00% Bromate 396 0 0.00% Cadmium 396 0 0.00% Chromium 396 0 0.00% Colour 1876 0 0.00% Copper 396 0 0.00% Iron 1876 36 1.92% Lead 396 4 1.01% Manganese 1876 5 0.27% Mercury 396 0 0.00% Nickel 396 1 0.25% Nitrate 396 0 0.00% Nitrite 396 0 0.00% Selenium 396 0 0.00% Sodium 396 0 0.00% PAH - Sum of four substances 396 0 0.00% Tetrachloroethene/Trichloroethene - Sum 396 0 0.00% Tetrachloromethane 396 0 0.00% Total Trihalomethanes 396 6 1.52% Turbidity 1876 4 0.21%
Indicator parameters 2013 Samples No > SPEC % > SPEC Total coliforms 5196 50 0.96% Total - Residual disinfectant 5196 0 0.00% Free - Residual disinfectant 5196 0 0.00% Colony Counts 37 (48hrs) 1876 0 0.00% Colony Counts 22 1876 0 0.00% Ammonium 1876 0 0.00% Hydrogen Ion 1876 1 0.05%
24 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Water Quality Report for Authorised Supply Points
Schedule 1 parameters 2013 Samples No > PCV % > PCV Cyanide 232 0 0.00% Fluoride 232 0 0.00% Aldrin 232 0 0.00% Dieldrin 232 0 0.00% Heptachlor 232 0 0.00% Heptachlor Epoxide 232 0 0.00% Pesticides - Total Substances 232 0 0.00% All other analysed Pesticides 8584 3 0.03%
Indicator parameters 2013 Samples No > SPEC % > SPEC Clostridium perfringens (sulph red) 2261 2 0.09% Chloride 232 0 0.00% Conductivity 2261 0 0.00% Sulphate 232 0 0.00% Total Organic Carbon 232 0 0.00% Total Indicative Dose 25 0 0.00% Tritium 25 0 0.00%
Water Quality Report for Water Treatment Works
Schedule 1 parameters 2013 Samples No > PCV % > PCV Total Coliforms 6617 7 0.11% E. coli 6617 3 0.05% Nitrite 232 0 0.00%
Indicator parameters 2013 Samples No > SPEC % > SPEC Turbidity 6617 18 0.27% Total - Residual disinfectant 6617 0 0.00% Free - Residual disinfectant 6617 0 0.00% Colony Counts 37 (48hrs) 6617 0 0.00% Colony Counts 22 6617 0 0.00%
Water Quality Report for Service Reservoirs
Schedule 1 parameters 2013 Samples No > PCV % > PCV Total Coliforms 16118 26 0.16% E. coli 16118 4 0.02%
Indicator parameters 2013 Samples No > SPEC % > SPEC Colony Counts 37 (48hrs) 16118 0 0.00% Colony Counts 22 16118 0 0.00% Total - Residual disinfectant 16118 0 0.00% Free - Residual disinfectant 16118 0 0.00%
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 25 2013 Mean Zonal Compliance
No of zones / No of fails at zone / Parameter Number of Samples supply points % Zonal Compliance supply point with fails Colour 1876 0 0 100.00 Turbidity 1876 4 4 99.84 Sodium 396 0 0 100.00 Nitrate 396 0 0 100.00 Nitrite 396 0 0 100.00 Nitrite/Nitrate Formula 396 0 0 100.00 Aluminium 1876 9 8 99.60 Iron 1876 36 20 98.28 Manganese 1876 5 5 99.79 Copper 396 0 0 100.00 Fluoride 232 0 0 100.00 Arsenic 396 0 0 100.00 Cadmium 396 0 0 100.00 Cyanide 232 0 0 100.00 Chromium 396 0 0 100.00 Mercury 396 0 0 100.00 Nickel 396 1 1 99.75 Lead 396 4 4 99.00 Antimony 396 0 0 100.00 Selenium 396 0 0 100.00 Total Pesticides 232 0 0 100.00 PAH - Sum of four substances 396 0 0 100.00 E. coli 5196 7 7 99.86 Enterococci 396 0 0 100.00 Boron 396 0 0 100.00 Benzo(a)pyrene 396 0 0 100.00 Tetrachloromethane 396 0 0 100.00 Tetrachloroethene/Trichloroethene - Sum 396 0 0 100.00 Total Trihalomethanes 396 6 6 98.50 1,2 dichloroethane 396 0 0 100.00 Benzene 396 0 0 100.00 Bromate 396 0 0 100.00 Aldrin 232 0 0 100.00 Dieldrin 232 0 0 100.00 Heptachlor 232 0 0 100.00 Heptachlor epoxide 232 0 0 100.00 Pesticides - other substances (P999)* 8584 3 3 99.96 Total Number of Samples / Fails 37644 82 Mean Zonal Compliance % 99.85
(Taste & Odour have been removed from the Mean Zonal Compliance assessment as data validation for these parameters is still ongoing. All the required regulatory samples were scheduled and collected for analysis.)
26 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Appendix 3
Water Quality by Northern council boundaries is not practicable, The works are necessary to ensure the Ireland Local Council Area therefore the information used in calculating efficient and cost effective operation of the MZC relates to the whole zone and not its water supply system in the immediate This section of the Drinking Water Quality merely the part included within a council future and longer term as well as ensuring Report is designed to demonstrate water boundary. Following discussions with the adequate levels of water quality and quality by individual council area based on Drinking Water Inspectorate, water supply customer supply. To achieve this goal, the Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) over the zones with fewer than 40 properties within NI Water has implemented a Watermains water supply zones associated with that the council area have not been used to Rehabilitation Framework, within which it council area, as shown on the associated maps. calculate the individual council MZC. has appointed two contractors to undertake The information is based on samples taken work on a Northern Ireland wide basis as For monitoring purposes NI Water’s supply randomly from customers’ taps in each water identified by the zonal study programme area is divided into water supply zones. supply zone and from planned samples at of work. These are areas serving not more than authorised supply points. Due to the nature 100,000 people, each of which are normally of random sampling, there may be fluctuations Following the removal of some small water supplied from a single water supply source in water quality across the water supply zones. supply sources, NI Water reassessed its water or combination of sources. There are areas supply zones for 2011 onwards. This led to where owing to topography and dispersal The report also details Capital Work the removal of some small zones along of population, it is not practicable to Programmes affecting the council area with the merging of other zones. As the provide a mains water supply. Currently which directly related to water quality MZC calculation is based on the number o over 99.6% of Northern Ireland’s population during the reporting period. f zones in a particular council area, this has receive public water supplies. changed the factors used in the calculation Small variations in water quality compliance and may lead to a perception of a change In a number of cases water supply zones performance occur across Northern Ireland. in water quality. overlap district council boundaries. The This reflects the need to continue to invest council reports indicate which water supply in and to maintain water treatment works, Overall, the quality of water supplied to our zones are wholly or partially contained and to improve the water mains network. customers over the last period has improved within the council areas, including those rising from a Mean Zonal Compliance of zones which may have a relatively small area NI Water has identified the need to deliver a 99.50% in 2008 to 99.85% in 2013 measured within the council area. Separation of data significant volume of watermains rehabilitation against our Social and Environmental within these water supply zones across and other works across its ageing network. Guidance target of 99.70%.
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 27 Watermains Rehabilitation Framework
Current Work Package Status The map below shows the extent of the current Watermains Rehabilitation Framework covering most of Northern Ireland. To assist clarity, whilst the council boundaries are shown, the individual councils are not named. Regions in white on the map are largely watercourses or upland areas which do not receive public water supply.
28 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Antrim Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Antrim Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0305 Dungonnell Ahoghill ZS0111 Dunore Point Hydepark ZN0401 Dunore Point Antrim ZS0503 Forked Bridge Stoneyford ZN0402 Killylane Ballynure
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Dunore West Zone Watermain Improvements High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Killylane Dunore East Phase 1 Lurgan Road, Glenavy, Watermain Extension Major Incident Mitigation Project Central Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Niblock Road, Antrim, Watermain Extension SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Tardree Zone Watermain Improvements Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 29 Ards Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Ards Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.8%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZS0401 Drumaroad Bangor ZS0501 Drumaroad Lisburn ZS0404 Drumaroad Ards ZS0601 Drumaroad Ballynahinch
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package North Down Strategic Trunk Watermains SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
30 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Armagh City & District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Armagh City & Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN1101 Clay Lake Keady ZS0809 Castor Bay Dungannon ZN1102 Seagahan Armagh ZS0810 Castor Bay Tandragee ZS0808 Castor Bay Craigavon
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Castor Bay to Dungannon Strategic Trunk Mains High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Major Incident Mitigation Project South Region Freeze Thaw Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WP134 High Priority Water Mains Phase 1 WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 31 Ballymena Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Ballymena Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.8%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0302 Dungonnell Glarryford ZN0401 Dunore Point Antrim ZN0303 Dunore Point Ballymena ZN0402 Killylane Ballynure ZN0305 Dungonnell Ahoghill
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Dungonnell Zone Watermain Improvements High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Loan Command SR, Inlet Watermain Major Incident Mitigation Project Central Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Major Incident Mitigation Project North Region Freeze Thaw Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Tardree Zone Watermain Improvements Tully Rehab Work Packages Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
32 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Ballymoney Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Ballymoney Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.7%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0101 Ballinrees Coleraine ZN0302 Dungonnell Glarryford ZN0202 Altnahinch Bushmills
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Altnahinch Zone Watermain Improvements Glenlough Pumping Station & Pumping Main High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Loughguile Zone Watermain Improvements Major Incident Mitigation Project North Region Freeze Thaw Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 33 Banbridge District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Banbridge Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZS0810 Castor Bay Tandragee ZS0904 Fofanny Mourne ZS0902 Fofanny Dromore
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballydougan to Newry Main Link Reinforcement Fofanny Banbridge Zone Watermain Improvements Phase 2 High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Major Incident Mitigation Project South Region Freeze Thaw Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
34 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Belfast City Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Belfast City Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.8%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZS0101 Dunore Ballygomartin North ZS0108 Belfast Purdysburn ZS0102 Dunore Ballygomartin South ZS0109 Dorisland Whiteabbey ZS0103 Belfast Ballyhanwood ZS0111 Dunore Point Hydepark ZS0104 Dunore Breda North ZS0404 Drumaroad Ards ZS0105 Dunore Breda South ZS0502 Forked Bridge Dunmurry ZS0106 Dunore Belfast North ZS0503 Forked Bridge Stoneyford ZS0107 Belfast Oldpark
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballygomartin North Phase 1 Watermain Improvements Oldpark Watermain Improvements Ballygomartin South Phase 1 Water Mains Improvements Security improvements at Keypoint Installations Ballysillan Zone Watermain Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Ballywonard Zone Watermain Improvements Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Belfast City Centre Zone Watermain Improvements Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Breda North Zone Watermain Improvements Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement Gravity II, McVeighs well to Old Park SR Whiterock Phase 1 Watermains Improvements High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package WTW Effluent Quality McVeigh’s Well Rationalisation of Pipework
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 35 Carrickfergus Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Carrickfergus Council MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.7% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0402 Killylane Ballynure ZS0201 Dorisland Carrick ZS0109 Dorisland Whiteabbey
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Carrickfergus Zone Watermain Improvements Phase 1, 2 and 3 Dorisland WTW - GAC Feasibility Study Enhanced Site Security High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Tardree Zone Watermain Improvements Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality WTWs Five Treatability Appraisal Studies WTWs Five Treatability Appraisal Studies
36 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Castlereagh Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Castlereagh Council MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.9% 99.7%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZS0103 Belfast Ballyhanwood ZS0108 Belfast Purdysburn ZS0104 Dunore Breda North ZS0404 Drumaroad Ards ZS0105 Dunore Breda South ZS0501 Drumaroad Lisburn
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Millmount Village Dundonald Water Main Upgrades North Down Strategic Trunk Watermains Queensfort Road Watermain Upgrade SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 37 Coleraine Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Coleraine Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.7%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0101 Ballinrees Coleraine ZN0501 Moyola Magherafelt ZN0202 Altnahinch Bushmills
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Major Incident Mitigation Project North Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Portballintrae Zone Watermain Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality WTWs Five Treatability Appraisal Studies
38 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Cookstown District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Cookstown Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0501 Moyola Magherafelt ZN0504 Moyola Unagh Mormeal ZN0502 Lough Fea Cookstown
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Altmore Phase 2 Watermain Rehabilitation Carland to Cookstown Strategic Trunk Main Cookstown Phase 2 & 3 Watermain Improvements Desertcreat Road/ Lindsayville Road, Cookstown, Replacement Watermain High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Major Incident Mitigation Project Central Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Omagh Phase 2 Watermain Rehab SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 39 Craigavon Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Craigavon Council MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.9% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZS0802 Castor Bay Lurgan ZS0810 Castor Bay Tandragee ZS0808 Castor Bay Craigavon ZS0902 Fofanny Dromore ZS0809 Castor Bay Dungannon
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballydougan to Newry Main Link Reinforcement Castor Bay to Dungannon Strategic Trunk Mains High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Legahory Craigavon, Replacement Watermains Major Incident Mitigation Project South Region Freeze Thaw Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Tardree Zone Watermain Improvements Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
40 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Derry City Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Derry City Council MZC 99.7% 99.6% 99.4% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0603 Carmoney Eglinton ZN0605 Creggan Derry ZN0604 Caugh Hill Dungiven
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballinrees to Limavady/Londonderry Supply Augmentation Carmoney to Strabane Strategic Link Watermain Enhanced Site Security High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Londonderry DAP: Duke Street Work package Major Incident Mitigation Project North Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Security improvements at Keypoint Installations SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality WTWs Five Treatability Appraisal Studies
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 41 Down District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Down Council MZC 99.7% 99.7% 99.9% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZS0601 Drumaroad Ballynahinch ZS0902 Fofanny Dromore ZS0602 Drumaroad Downpatrick
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Drumaroad WTW Clear Water Tank Enhanced Site Security High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package North Down Strategic Trunk Watermains Seaside Road, Killyleagh, Watermain Extension SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 South Down Zone Watermain Improvements Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
42 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Dungannon and South Tyrone Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.8% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0502 Lough Fea Cookstown ZN1102 Seagahan Armagh ZN0706 Lough Macrory Killyclogher ZS0809 Castor Bay Dungannon ZN0802 Killyhevlin Enniskillen
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Altmore Phase 2 Watermain Rehabilitation Carland to Cookstown Strategic Trunk Main Castor Bay to Dungannon Strategic Trunk Mains High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Major Incident Mitigation Project South Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Major Incident Mitigation Project West Region Freeze Thaw Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 43 Fermanagh District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Fermanagh Council MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0704 Lough Bradan Drumquin ZN0802 Killyhevlin Enniskillen ZN0801 Belleek Garrison
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Alleyhill Zone Watermain Improvements High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Killyhevlin to Lough Bradan Link Watermain Killyhevlin WTW Feasibility Study Killyhevlin WTW Risk Assessment of Sirofloc Process Major Incident Mitigation Project West Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Omagh Phase 2 Watermain Rehab SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 South / South East Zonal Study South East Phase 1 Work Packages South / South East Zonal Study South Phase 1 Work Packages Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality WTWs Five Treatability Appraisal Studies
44 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Larne Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Larne Council MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0303 Dunore Point Ballymena ZS0201 Dorisland Carrick ZN0402 Killylane Ballynure
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Browndod Road, Larne, Replacement Watermain High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Killylane Dunore East Phase 1 Major Incident Mitigation Project Central Region Freeze Thaw Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 45 Limavady Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Limavady Council MZC 99.7% 99.7% 99.5% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0601 Ballinrees Limavady ZN0604 Caugh Hill Dungiven ZN0603 Carmoney Eglinton
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballinrees to Limavady/Londonderry Supply Augmentation Caugh Hill WTW FAS Storage High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Major Incident Mitigation Project North Region Freeze Thaw Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WP134 High Priority Water Mains Phase 1 WTW Effluent Quality
46 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Lisburn City Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Lisburn City Council MZC 99.7% 99.7% 99.8% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0401 Dunore Point Antrim ZS0503 Forked Bridge Stoneyford ZS0111 Dunore Point Hydepark ZS0601 Drumaroad Ballynahinch ZS0501 Drumaroad Lisburn ZS0802 Castor Bay Lurgan ZS0502 Forked Bridge Dunmurry
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Lisburn North Rural Phase 2 Watermain Improvements Lisburn South Rural Phase 1 & Dunmurry watermain improvements Major Incident Mitigation Project South Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Security improvements at Keypoint Installations SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Strategic Link - Castor Bay to Belfast Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 47 Magherafelt District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Magherafelt Council MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.9% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0101 Ballinrees Coleraine ZN0502 Lough Fea Cookstown ZN0501 Moyola Magherafelt ZN0504 Moyola Unagh Mormeal
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Major Incident Mitigation Project Central Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Moyola Zone Watermain Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
48 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Moyle District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Moyle Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.8%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0101 Ballinrees Coleraine ZN0204 Rathlin Island ZN0202 Altnahinch Bushmills ZN0302 Dungonnell Glarryford
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballycastle Zone Watermain Improvements Craigpark SR Capacity Extension High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Lagavara SR Capacity Extension Loughguile Zone Watermain Improvements Major Incident Mitigation Project North Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Marine Apartments, Ballycastle, Watermain Extension Moyola Zone Watermain Improvements Portballintrae Zone Watermain Improvements Rathlin Island Borehole Feasibility Study SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WP134 High Priority Water Mains Phase 1 WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 49 Newry & Mourne District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Newry & Mourne Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.8% 99.8%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN1101 Clay Lake Keady ZS0902 Fofanny Dromore ZS0810 Castor Bay Tandragee ZS0904 Fofanny Mourne ZS0901 Camlough Newry West ZS1001 Carran Hill Crossmaglen
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballintemple Zone Watermain Improvements Security improvements at Keypoint Installations Ballydougan to Newry Main Link Reinforcement SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Crieve Road and Hilltown Road Newry Watermain Replacement Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Crieve Service Reservoir Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Enhanced Site Security Warrenpoint Zone Watermain Improvements Fofanny Banbridge Zone Watermain Improvements Phase 2 Watermain Improvements, Newry, Phase 3 High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement Lough Ross Zone Watermain Improvements WP101 Newry Phase 2 Major Incident Mitigation Project South Region Freeze Thaw Improvements WP134 High Priority Water Mains Phase 1 Newry Zone Watermain Improvements WTW Effluent Quality
50 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Newtownabbey Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Newtownabbey Council MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0401 Dunore Point Antrim ZS0109 Dorisland Whiteabbey ZN0402 Killylane Ballynure ZS0111 Dunore Point Hydepark ZS0106 Dunore Belfast North
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballyclare Road Glengormley Watermains Upgrade Ballywonard Zone Watermain Improvements Gravity II, McVeigh’s well to Old Park SR High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Killylane Dunore East Phase 1 McVeigh’s Well Rationalisation of Pipework Newtownabbey Zone Watermain Improvements Phase 1 Newtownabbey Zone Watermain Improvements Phase 2 Newtownabbey Zone Watermain Improvements Phase 3 SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 51 North Down Borough Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% North Down Council MZC 99.7% 99.9% 99.9% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZS0108 Belfast Purdysburn ZS0404 Drumaroad Ards ZS0401 Drumaroad Bangor
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package North Down Bangor Phase 2 Watermain Improvements North Down Strategic Trunk Watermains SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality
52 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Omagh District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Omagh Council MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.7% 100.0%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0701 Derg Strabane ZN0705 Lough Macrory Beragh ZN0702 Glenhordial Omagh ZN0706 Lough Macrory Killyclogher ZN0704 Lough Bradan Drumquin ZN0802 Killyhevlin Enniskillen
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Alleyhill Zone Watermain Improvements High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Killyhevlin to Lough Bradan Link Watermain Lough Bradan WTWs Upgrade Lough Macrory WTW Clear Water Tank Major Incident Mitigation Project West Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Omagh Phase 2 Watermain Rehab Omagh Watermain Improvements SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Strule Intake For Derg WTW Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WP134 High Priority Water Mains Phase 1 WTW Effluent Quality WTWs Five Treatability Appraisal Studies
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 53 Strabane District Council
Mean Zonal Compliance (MZC) Target 2011 2012 2013 Overall Northern Ireland MZC 99.7% 99.8% 99.8% 99.9% Strabane Council MZC 99.7% 99.7% 99.7% 99.9%
2013 water supply zones wholly or partially within the council area: Zone Code Zone Name Zone Code Zone Name ZN0701 Derg Strabane ZN0704 Lough Bradan Drumquin
2013 water quality Capital Works Programmes affecting the council area: Ballinrees to Limavady/Londonderry Supply Augmentation Carmoney to Strabane Strategic Link Watermain Enhanced Site Security High Priority Watermains Phase 2 Work Package Londonderry DAP: Duke Street Work package Major Incident Mitigation Project North Region Freeze Thaw Improvements Security improvements at Keypoint Installations SEMD Surveys PC10 Water Service Reservoir Assessments - Site Access Service Reservoir Enhanced Security Phase 1 & 2 Watermains Rehabilitation, New and Replacement WTW Effluent Quality WTWs Five Treatability Appraisal Studies
54 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Appendix 4
Water Quality Events Serious Drinking Water Quality Events in 2013
Area and Estimate of Date of Population/Properties Nature and Cause of Significant Event Associated Council Serious Event Potentially Affected Area(s)
Treatment difficulties led to aluminium contraventions in the works final water Ards, Belfast, Castlereagh, 24 April – 21 May 2013 Drumaroad WTWs and related supply area. There was a significant increase in customer complaints Down, Lisburn, (513,500 population) related to water quality. North Down
Armagh, Banbridge, Castor Bay WTWs A significant increase in raw water manganese levels led to manganese Belfast, Craigavon, 22 July – 26 July 2013 (334,000 population) and turbidity contraventions in the works final water and related supply area. Dungannon, Lisburn There was a significant increase in customer complaints related to water quality. and Newry & Mourne
Significant Drinking Water Quality Events in 2013
Area and Estimate of Date of Population/Properties Nature and Cause of Significant Event Associated Council Significant Event Potentially Affected Area(s)
Cookstown, Dungannon 2 January – Lough Fea WTWs Operational maintenance work led to a turbidity & South Tyrone and 3 January 2013 (19,500 population) contravention in the works final water. Magherafelt
Camlough WTWs A turbidity contravention was reported which was 4 January 2013 (21,000 population) unrepresentative due to pumping operations. Newry & Mourne
13 January – Carran Hill WTWs Treatment difficulties led to aluminium contraventions 17 January 2013 (14,500 population) in the works final water and related supply area. Newry & Mourne
Caugh Hill WTWs Iron and manganese contraventions were reported. Derry, Limavady 21 January 2013 (78,500 population) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. and Strabane
5 February – Lough Macrory WTWs Operational maintenance work led to aluminium contraventions 7 February 2013 (34,000 population) in the works final water and related supply area. Omagh
Dorisland WTWs A turbidity contravention was reported. After investigation Belfast, Carrickfergus, 1 March 2013 (129,000 population) by NI Water a cause was not determined. Larne & Newtownabbey
22 March – Moyola WTWs Power related issues adversely affected the treatment process and led Cookstown and 23 March 2013 (61,000 population) to manganese and turbidity contraventions in the works final water. Magherafelt
A significant odour was detected after NI Water’s investigation of a 4 April – 12 April 2013 Bushmills Road, Coleraine customer complaint identified contamination of the mains supply Coleraine (16 properties) from a commercial borehole.
15 April – Derg WTWs Lack of adequate pesticide removal treatment led to persistent MCPA September 2013 (39,000 population) contraventions in the works final water. Strabane
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 55 Area and Estimate of Date of Population/Properties Nature and Cause of Significant Event Associated Council Significant Event Potentially Affected Area(s)
Forked Bridge WTWs Third party damage to a trunk main led to a significant 30 April – 1 May 2013 (84,500 population) turbidity contravention in the final water. Belfast and Lisburn
Dorisland WTWs Belfast, Carrickfergus, 22 May 2013 (129,000 population) An E.coli contravention was most likely due to unrepresentative sampling. Larne & Newtownabbey
Dorisland WTWs An overdose of coagulant led to an aluminium Belfast, Carrickfergus, 27 May – 28 May 2013 (129,000 population) contravention in the works final water. Larne & Newtownabbey
Increased level of MCPA in the raw water supply due to pesticide usage within May – June 2013 Dorisland WTWs the drinking water catchment area. Lack of adequate pesticide removal treatment Belfast, Carrickfergus, (129,000 population) led to persistent MCPA contraventions in the works final water. Larne & Newtownabbey
Mill Road, Larne May – September 2013 (814 properties) Contraventions of the iron standard and related customer complaints. Larne
Increased level of MCPA in the raw water supply due to pesticide usage within the drinking water catchment area. Lack of adequate pesticide removal treatment June – July 2013 Clay Lake WTWs led to persistent MCPA contraventions in the works final water. Treatment has Armagh (9,000 population) since been upgraded to include enhanced treatment to reduce pesticide levels in the drinking water supply.
Seagahan WTWs Increased level of MCPA in the raw water supply due to pesticide usage within June 2013 (35,000 population) the drinking water catchment area. An MCPA contravention was reported. Armagh
Absence of specific manganese removal treatment led to manganese 18 July – 31 July 2013 Camlough WTWs and turbidity contraventions in the works final water and manganese Newry & Mourne (25,000 population) contraventions in the related supply area.
Altnahinch WTWs Treatment difficulties led a turbidity contravention in the works 22 July – 29 July 2013 (31,000 population) final water and THM contraventions in the related supply area. Ballymoney and Moyle
Derrychara Park & 6 August – Gardens, Enniskillen E.coli and coliform bacteria contraventions were detected after contamination Fermanagh 10 August 2013 (<100 population) occurred during the installation of a new section of main.
19 September – Camlough WTWs Absence of specific manganese removal treatment led to manganese 23 December 2013 (25,000 population) contraventions in the works final water and in the related supply area. Newry & Mourne
The treatment process was operating below normal performance June – October 2013 Dungonnell WTWs for organics removal. THM levels were elevated in the related supply Ballymena and Moyle (37,000 population) area and there was a THM contravention.
Increased level of MCPA in the raw water supply due to pesticide usage within 14 October – Killyhevlin WTWs the drinking water catchment area. Absence of specific pesticide removal Dungannon & South 13 November 2013 (77,000 population) treatment led to MCPA contraventions in the works final water. Tyrone and Fermanagh
A ‘Do Not Use Tap Water for Drinking or Cooking’ notice was issued following 31 October 2013 - Baranailt Road, Claudy significant aluminium, iron and manganese contraventions due to the poor 11 February 2014 (5 properties) condition of the old cast iron main, and the difficulties of flushing due to Derry low pressures in the area.
Dungonnell WTWs 17 December 2013 (37,000 population) An E.coli contravention was most likely due to unrepresentative sampling. Ballymena and Moyle
56 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Minor Drinking Water Quality Events in 2013
Area and Estimate of Date of Population/Properties Nature and Cause of Minor Event Associated Council Minor Event Potentially Affected Area(s)
Middlepark Road, Cushendall A pH contravention affecting only one property. Most likely caused by a section 7 January 2013 (1 property) of cement-lined main. This section of mains was subsequently replaced. Ballymena
Killylane WTWs Ballymena, Larne and 25 January 2013 (51,500 population) A turbidity contravention occurred following operational filter washing. Newtownabbey & Antrim
Seagahan WTWs A coliform bacteria contravention was reported. 12 February 2013 (35,000 population) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Armagh
Rathlin WTWs 1 March 2013 (234 population) A turbidity contravention occurred due to operational work. Moyle
Armagh, Banbridge, Castor Bay WTWs An enterococci contravention was reported. Belfast, Craigavon, 6 March 2013 (249,000 population) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Dungannon, Lisburn and Newry & Mourne
Dungonnell WTWs 13 March 2013 (37,000 population) An E.coli contravention was most likely due to unrepresentative sampling. Ballymena and Moyle
Seagahan WTWs A coliform bacteria contravention was reported. 5 May 2013 (35,000 population) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Armagh
Forked Bridge WTWs An enterococci contravention was reported. 10 May 2013 (84,500 population) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Belfast & Lisburn
Ashley Park, Carryduff A “Boil Water Before Use” notice was issued to a single 11 May 2013 (1 property) property after two coliform bacteria contraventions. Castlereagh
10 August – Recurring coliform bacteria contraventions following 12 August 2013 Sicily Park, Belfast (3 properties) operational work to re-locate a section of mains. Belfast
Corlea SR 30 August 2013 (211 properties) Two coliform bacteria contraventions occurred due to inadequate disinfection. Omagh
Fofanny WTWs A coliform bacteria contravention was most 16 October 2013 (95,500 population) likely due to unrepresentative sampling. Newry & Mourne
Armagh, Banbridge, 28 October 2013 Castor Bay WTWs An enterococci contravention was most likely due to unrepresentative sampling. Belfast, Craigavon, (334,000 population) Dungannon, Lisburn and Newry & Mourne
1 November – Bridgend Road, Ballycarry Recurring coliform bacteria contraventions occurred 4 November 2013 (5 properties) following the installation of a new section of mains. Larne
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 57 Area and Estimate of Date of Population/Properties Nature and Cause of Minor Event Associated Council Minor Event Potentially Affected Area(s)
Clay Lake WTWs 6 November 2013 (9,000 population) A manganese contravention occurred following clear water tank maintenance. Armagh
Ballymoney, Coleraine, 12 November 2013 Ballinrees WTWs A Clostridium perfringens contravention was reported. Limavady, Magherafelt (111,500 population) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. and Moyle
Ards, Belfast, Castlereagh, 5 December 2013 Drumaroad WTWs Treatment difficulties led to elevated aluminium levels Down, Lisburn, (513,500 population) in the works final water for a short time. North Down
Not Significant Drinking Water Quality Events in 2013
Area and Estimate of Date of Not Population/Properties Nature and Cause of Not Significant Event Associated Council Significant Event Potentially Affected Area(s)
Derg WTWs 2 January 2013 (39,000 population) A turbidity contravention was reported due to unrepresentative sampling. Strabane
Caugh Hill WTWs Derry, Limavady 6 March 2013 (78,500 population) A turbidity contravention was reported due to unrepresentative sampling. and Strabane
Glenhordial WTWs 12 March 2013 (33,500 population) A turbidity contravention was reported due to unrepresentative sampling. Omagh
22 March – Various Locations Loss of mains supply during extreme weather requiring 26 March 2013 (2,500 population) alternative drinking water supplies to be provided. Various
Cookstown, Dungannon 26 March 2013 Lough Fea WTWs A turbidity contravention was reported due to unrepresentative sampling. & South Tyrone and (29,500 population) Magherafelt
Lough Bradan WTWs 23 May 2013 (46,500 population) A turbidity contravention was reported due to unrepresentative sampling. Omagh and Fermanagh
Clay Lake WTWs A coliform bacteria contravention was reported. 4 July 2013 (9,000 population) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Armagh
Deehommed SR A coliform bacteria contravention was reported. 30 July 2013 (1,207 properties) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Banbridge
Monoclough SR A coliform bacteria contravention was reported. 1 August 2013 (757 properties) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Ballycastle
58 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Area and Estimate of Date of Not Population/Properties Nature and Cause of Not Significant Event Associated Council Significant Event Potentially Affected Area(s)
Rathkeel SR A coliform bacteria contravention was reported. 5 August 2013 (850 properties) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Ballymena
Clay Lake WTWs A Clostridium perfringens contravention was reported. 20 November 2013 (9,000 population) After investigation by NI Water a cause was not determined. Armagh
Margaret Ave & 1 December 2013 Charles Drive, Ballyclare Loss of mains supply due to a burst watermain requiring Newtownabbey (50 properties) alternative drinking water supplies to be provided.
Dungonnell WTWs 5 December 2013 (37,000 population) A turbidity contravention was reported due to unrepresentative sampling. Ballymena and Moyle
Ballyblack Road, Newtownards A “Boil Water Before Use” notice was issued to a single 14 December 2013 (1 property) property after two coliform bacteria contraventions. Ards
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 59 Appendix 5
Water Supply (Water Fittings) The Water Fittings Regulation team has All Water Fittings Regulation team members Regulations (NI) 2009 systems and processes in place which are including line management will have Enforcement Policy used to schedule and report on inspections, attended one or more of the courses detailed repeat inspections, their findings, below and attained qualifications as certified NI Water’s customer leaflet “Water Fittings contraventions and improvement notices. by the training organisations or award body. Regulations” details why the Water Supply The Regulation team regularly liaises with As a minimum all Regulation enforcement (Water Fittings) Regulations exist and external customers, scientific services and staff are expected to have passed the City highlights to customers their obligations networks water teams within the company and Guilds qualification in Water Fittings under the Regulations. A web page has regarding compliance and non-compliance Regulations for enforcement staff. Any been set up on the NI Water web site for with the regulations. The team also liaises change of staff will be conditional on new customers where they can download the with other GB water company regulation team members undertaking and passing regulations, guidance notes, information teams and water industry expert groups the Water Regulation C&G qualification. leaflets and notification forms. Both the to ensure a consistent application of the leaflets and web pages will provide customers Regulations in Northern Ireland. • C&G Water Supply (Water Fittings) with a valuable insight to and appreciation Regulations for Enforcement Staff of what the Regulations mean to them, NI Water will only consider applying to • Introduction into RPZ installations the benefits in protecting drinking water the Regulator (WPD) for a relaxation of (Reduced Pressure Zone Devices) requirements in exceptional circumstances supplies and the potential consequences • C&G L8 legionella course of non-compliance. Customers are advised and not as a result of failure or lack of due diligence by customers to comply with both online and in leaflets that before they Promotion of the Regulations commence certain plumbing installations their legal obligations under the Regulations. or alterations they must first notify NI Water As a fully subscribing member of WRAS and in writing. 10 days advance notice is required NI Water Customer Base part owner NI Water has representation on before work can commence pending the WRAS Board, Technical Committee and Base Data, using NIAUR 2014 Annual approval. If you do not hear from NI Water Technical Support Group national forums Information Return (AIR) figures: within 10 working days of writing to us which meet at least 3 times per year. then consent is ‘deemed’ to have been given and you can proceed with the work. Description Number NI Water uses WRAS for advice on the *Total number of interpretation of the Regulations where NI Water also promotes and advocates the 850,459 benefits of using approved contractors who connected properties unusual installations are discovered or where are members of the Plumbing Industry *Total number of a dispute with an installer/manufacturer new connections from occurs regarding the particular meaning Licensing Scheme (PILS) as administered 3,815 by the trade associated known as the 1st April 2013 to 31st of a certain regulation. Participation on this Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing March 2014 national stage ensures that NI Water like other water suppliers is applying the Regulations Employers Federations (SNIPEF). * Information source Annual Information consistently across its customer base. It also Return 2013 NI Water has a dedicated team of 5 front provides a very useful networking forum line water regulation inspectors across the where NI Water and other water suppliers can province headed by a Field Manager and Enforcement Data field difficult and complex questions and a Senior Engineer. Staff and Training receive comprehensive and timely feedback.
NI Water has allocated each non-domestic Number of staff involved in enforcement. A Water Regulation web page is available on customer a fluid category rating which the company web site (www.niwater.com/ was derived from Standard Industrial water-fittings-regulations) for both domestic Description Number Classification (SIC) codes and also guidance and non-domestic customers to refer to. Spending more than provided by the Water Regulation Advisory 6 The site contains Regulation specific 75% of time Scheme (WRAS). A proactive inspection background information, leaflets in PDF format Spending between programme is carried out each year with 0 and customer notification forms. An official inspection intervals based on national 50% and 75% of time Water Regulation e-mail address has also Spending between ‘Best Practice’ documentation issued to 1 been provided to facilitate customer enquiries. the water authorities by WRAS and accepted 5% and 10% of time by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
60 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Notifications NI Water recommends customers use Inspections (Other than those approved plumbing contractors who are arising from Notification) Description Number members of an approved contractors scheme. These include firms and individuals As anticipated in the previous year’s annual *Total No. of water who are members of the WaterSafe scheme return; inspections, contraventions, connection application 5,943 funded by the water industry including notifications, repeat visits and enforcement forms received between notifications have considerably increased 1st Jan 2013 - 31st Dec 2013 NI Water. WaterSafe is a dedicated search facility bringing together thousands of in 2013 compared with 2012. Total number of written qualified contractors employed by plumbing customer notifications other businesses from the existing Approved Number Number Description 2012 2013 than those associated with new 22 Contractors scheme across the UK. connections applications. WaterSafe can be contacted by telephoning *Total number 1st April 2012 – 31st March 2013 of Domestic and 0333 2079030 or by referring to 997 1,076 Non-Domestic www.watersafe.org.uk. The Scottish **Total No. of new connections Inspections made between 1st April 2013 3,815 and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers – 31st March 2014 Federation (SNIPEF) Plumbing Industry *Total number of Licensing Scheme is also a long standing Contraventions 2,440 2,762 recorded *Calender year approved contractor scheme which NI Water also recommends. To find a SNIPEF Licensed **Financial year *Total number of Plumber in your area simply enter your Contraventions 1,015 1,538 In most cases customers must notify NI Water postcode or town on their web site rectified in advance of installing or making changes www.needaplumber.org.uk or to the water systems within their premises. contact SNIPEF on 0845 224 0391 *Total Number of outstanding 1,425 1,224 Owners, occupiers and plumbing installers contraventions must get approval from NI Water by giving An approved plumbing contractor will certify that his or her work meets the requirements advance notice in writing of their intentions. * 2013 Calendar year Advance notification forms can be obtained of the Regulations and any subsequent breaches associated with their work is the from the NI Water website, completed and Contraventions found on all property types legal responsibility of the plumber and returned to the address detailed on the form. can vary greatly, some typical examples are not the individual owner or occupier. The list of work that cannot commence listed below without advance notification can be obtained by referring to the Water Fittings Description 2011- 2012- 2013- • Failure to comply with Regulation 5 Regulations and are detailed under (Number) 2012 2013 2014 – Notifications. Regulation 5. NI Water will not unreasonably • Water fittings no-compliant with No of members withhold consent for any work but it may 770 749 734 in SNIPEF Regulation 4. be granted subject to conditions, which • Storage cisterns having the wrong type must be followed. If customers do not hear No of members in of Air Gap fitted. 81 71 74 from us within 10 working days of writing Northern Ireland. to us, consent is deemed to have been • Overflows running to waste in given and work may proceed. No of members in non-visual areas. Northern Ireland • Dead legs on pipe-work. who are also Approved Contractors Scheme members of the 71 63 65 • The requirement to install servicing Plumbing Industry valves at float valves Northern Ireland Water recommends that Licensing Scheme • Insulation and labelling of pipe-work. customers use an approved plumbing (PILS). contractor when installing, altering or • Cross connections between private No of members in repairing plumbing systems, water fittings Northern Ireland water supplies (Bore Wells and NI Water and water-using appliances. Owners and awaiting approval supplies within private premises. occupiers of premises and anyone who as approved 10 8 2 • Rain Water Harvesting systems not installs plumbing systems have a legal duty members of the Plumbing Industry being installed in compliance with to ensure their systems satisfy the requirements Licensing Scheme. British Standards and the Regulations. of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) • Shallow service pipes providing insufficient Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. Financial Year from SNIPEF. protection from ground frost penetration.
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 61 Enforcement Actions Action taken by NI Water Date Address NI Water through its enforcement activities Reports are submitted to NI Water scientific has a graduated process of engaging Jan-12 Food Processing Plant, Belfast and operational teams and copies are made customers. Appointment letters are issued Feb-13 Petrol Station Co. Antrim available to the Regulator. Customers are to customers and these are followed by required to take remedial action to provide inspection report findings which may Mar-13 Pharmacy, Co. Armagh whole site protection and are given Water include recommendations or improvement Oil Storage Depot, Fittings Regulation compliance advice. Apr-13 notices. Customers are given an adequate Co. Fermanagh period of time to comply with notices Apr-13 Car wash, Co. Londonderry Reporting Year Recap depending on the level of risk to water supplies associated with the May-13 Care site, Co. Antrim Since the formation of NI Water and the introduction of the new Water Fittings contraventions. Failure to comply with May-13 Private residence, Co. Antrim these requests will generate further repeat Regulations in August 2009 NI Water has inspections and notifications; where these June-13 Farm, Co. Down in the last reporting year: requests are not complied with then a non- Oct-13 Care site, Co. Tyrone • Continued to update as required the compliance report is forwarded to the NI Private residence, NI Water Water Fittings Regulation web Water legal team for appropriate action. No Nov-13 Co Londonderry page and literature necessary for the legal referrals are outstanding in the enforcement of the regulations and reporting year. Dec-13 Domestic/Agriculture premises customer compliance guidance. Disputes (Information from Connect 2 – Connect 2 • Provided a facility on the company is the software system NI Water uses to drive website for customers to locate their No formal disputes were referred to a proactive risk based inspection programme, nearest approved plumbing contractor arbitration in the reporting year. record findings and advise or direct customers as registered through WaterSafe as to what correct action is required to (www.watersafe.org.uk ) and SNIPEF General Information bring their systems into compliance with (www.needaplumber.org) the Regulations) • Continued to contribute specialist advice Assessed number of high risk premises for inclusion in NI Water publications connected to the NI Water distribution In addition to proactive inspections the Water including the winter preparation campaign. network (i.e. Class 4 and 5 Fluid Fittings Regulation team also undertook Category (FC) 302) reactive inspections as a result of water • Promoted compliance with the Water quality concerns following sample failures. Regulations at every opportunity and There are Circa 40,000 FC4&5 premises across The reactive inspections were carried out attended conferences, trade shows and Northern Ireland, NI Water inspected 780 of following requests for assistance from agricultural shows when invited these premises during the reporting year NI Water staff. The team also conducts • Developed and published “Keeping Water occasional reactive inspections as a result Safe in Premises” document. This sets out Number of Reactive Water Regulation of concerns or requests for assistance from the roles and responsibilities appropriate inspections (37) attributed to water customers and colleagues. for water suppliers and customers in quality incidents and NI Water ensuring consistency of compliance observations across the UK • NI Water has with other UK Water Suppliers facilitated the setting up of the WaterSafe organisation which will help customers find their nearest Approved Contractor.
62 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Looking Forward • Further develop processes and documentation relating to Water Fittings Regulation inspections and enforcement; • Liaise with NI Water legal team regarding the implementation of a compliance framework; • NI Water will continue to participate with other GB water suppliers facilitated by WRAS in further refining and implementing the National Enforcement Policy (Keeping Water Safe in Premises). - This overarching policy will necessitate water companies making their Water Fittings Regulation enforcement policies available upon request or through their web sites • NI Water will continue to promote at every appropriate opportunity the general awareness of the Regulations to customers through suitable public and professional interfaces; • Continue to participate in and benefit from the attendance at WRAS forums; • Continue to assist SNIPEF in the governance of the approved plumbing contractors scheme as well promotional opportunities to raise plumbing standards in Northern Ireland. • Continuous improvement and refinement of the annual Water Regulation return and interim Regulatory reports. - NI Water plans to replace or upgrade the current reporting system in 2014. The existing Connect2 system is built on a platform which is being de-supported and is incapable of providing the more detailed interim reports required by the Regulator.
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 63 Appendix 6
Glossary of Technical Terms
Aesthetic Associated with the senses of taste, smell and sight.
Authorised Supply Point A sampling point within the distribution system authorised by the DWI for certain parameters, because the results of the analysis of such samples are unlikely to differ in any material respect from the results of the analysis of samples taken from customers’ taps.
Catchment The area of land that drains into a watercourse.
Coagulation The process of aggregating colloidal and fine particulate matter into a settleable material.
Coliforms A group of bacteria which may be faecal or environmental in origin.
Compliance assessment A comparison made by the DWI of data (gathered by NI Water) against standards and other regulatory requirements.
Contravention A breach of the regulatory requirement.
CPEO ‘Consideration of Provisional Enforcement Order’ - first stage in DWI enforcement process.
Cryptosporidiosis The illness produced by infection with Cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium A protozoan parasite.
Determination A single analytical result for a specific parameter.
Distribution systems NI Water’s network of mains, pipes, pumping stations and service reservoirs through which treated water is conveyed to customers.
Drinking Water Directive European Council Directive (98/83/EC) relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption.
DWI Northern Ireland Drinking Water Inspectorate - has an independent responsibility to audit drinking water quality compliance against the standards set in the Regulations.
DWSP ‘Drinking Water Safety Plan’ Based on a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach to all the steps in a water supply chain
EO ‘Enforcement Order’ – third stage in DWI enforcement process.
Event A situation affecting or threatening to affect drinking water quality.
Exceedance Synonym for contravention (see above).
Faecal coliforms A sub-group of coliforms, almost exclusively faecal in origin.
Filtration The separation of suspended particulate matter from a fluid.
GPS Global Positioning System – a satellite based location system which will give an accurate record of position.
Groundwater Water from aquifers or other underground sources.
Hydrogen ion A measure of the acidity or basicity related to the concentration of the hydrogen ion (also referred to as pH).
Incident An event where there has been a demonstrable deterioration in the quality of drinking water.
64 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Investment programme Investment in improvement works to water treatment works and distribution systems.
LIMS Laboratory Information Management System – the system used by NI Water to record and audit the results of the hundreds of thousands of parameters analysed each year.
Mains rehabilitation Restoration or replacement of water mains pipework to a proper condition.
MCPA MCPA is a selective hormone-type herbicide, which is absorbed by the leaves and to some degree the roots.
Mean Zonal Compliance The assessment of water quality at a parameter level based on water supply zones.
Microbiological Associated with the study of microbes. m3/d Cubic metres per day. mg/l Milligrammes per litre.
µg/l Microgrammes per litre. ml Millilitre.
Ml/d Megalitres per day (one Ml/d is equivalent to 1,000 m3/d or 220,000 gallon/d).
Oocyst The resistant form in which Cryptosporidium occurs in the environment, and which is capable of causing infection.
Orthophosphoric acid A chemical dosed in low concentrations at water treatment works to minimise the uptake of lead from old pipework into customers’ water.
PAHs A group of organic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, comprising, for the purposes of the Regulations, four substances: benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k) fluoranthene benzo(ghi)perylene and indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene,
Parameter A parameter is any substance, organism or property listed in the regulations.
Pathogen An organism which causes disease.
PCV See ‘Prescribed concentration or value’.
PEO ‘Provisional Enforcement Order’ – second stage in DWI enforcement process.
Pesticides Any fungicide, herbicide or insecticide or related product (excluding medicines) used for the control of pests or diseases.
PHA The Public Health Agency works to initiate, stimulate, develop and support health promotion.
Plumbosolvency The tendency for lead to dissolve in water.
Prescribed Concentration or Value The numerical value assigned to water quality standards (PCV), defining the maximum or minimum legal concentration or value of a parameter. In certain circumstances, the DWI may authorise a time limited departure from the regulatory value. See ‘Authorised Departure’.
Protozoan parasites A single celled organism that can only survive by infecting a host.
Public register The information made available by NI Water to the public as required by regulation 34.
Regulations The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 65 Remedial action Action taken to improve a situation.
SCaMP NI Sustainable Catchment Management Planning Northern Ireland
Service reservoir (SR) A water tower, tank or other reservoir used for the storage of treated water within the distribution system.
SIC Code Standard Industrial Classification Code – used for Water Fittings Regulations
Springs Groundwater appearing at the surface at the outcrop of the junction of an impermeable stratum.
Surface water Water from rivers, impounding reservoirs or other surface water sources.
Technical audit The means of checking by the DWI that NI Water is complying with its statutory obligations.
Toxicology The study of the health effects of substances.
Treated water Water treated for use for domestic purposes as defined in the Regulations.
Trihalomethanes (THMs) A group of organic substances comprising, for the purposes of the Regulations, four substances: trichloromethane (also known as chloroform), dichlorobromomethane, dibromochloromethane and tribromomethane.
UKAS The sole national accreditation body recognized by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services.
Utility Regulator The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR).
WPD DRD Water Policy Division. Deemed to be the Regulator for all activities associated with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (NI) 2009.
WRAS The Water Regulation Advisory Scheme. A list of Standard Industrial Classification codes with related fluid categories used to define categories of non-domestic properties.
Water Regulations The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (NI) 2009.
Water Safety Plan A means of ensuring that a water supply is safe for human consumption based on a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach to all the steps in a water supply chain from catchment to tap.
Water supply zone (Zone) The basic unit of supply for establishing sampling frequencies, compliance with standards and information to be made publicly available.
Website Location of information on the Internet. NI Water’s website is: www.niwater.com
Wholesomeness A concept of water quality which is defined by reference to standards and other requirements set out in the Regulations.
66 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2013 67 Northern Ireland Water Environmental Regulation Westland House Head Office 40 Old Westland Road BELFAST BT14 6TE Tel: 08457 440088 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.niwater.com ISBN-978-1-907007-12-5