Work in Progress - Water Quality in Rivers and Lakes

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland is responsible for policy and strategy in relation to the conservation; protection and improvement of the water-related environment.  Day-to-day operations are managed on its behalf by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Water is a valuable asset, relied on to be constantly available for human consumption.  Wide-ranging economic sector activities also rely on the consistency of its supply.  Maximising the quality of Northern Ireland’s water resources has become particularly important, due to the extent of water pollution from established sources which has led to long-term environmental issues.

The overall aim of our study is to consider how the Department has planned and managed its resources to address some of the key issues which exist around water quality, and to meet the regulatory requirements in place. 

Focussing particularly on Northern Ireland’s rivers and lakes, we will also examine the impact of land management activities within the agriculture sector on published outcomes, and the departmental oversight of Northern Ireland Water in its management of environmental risks associated with its operational activities.

We aim to publish this report in Spring 2023.