A study investigating the water quality on Co Down beach has been extended
Last updated 27th Oct 2024
A new study to investigate water quality at Ballyholme Beach in Bangor has been extended until February 2025 to better understand water pollution in the winter season.
Launched at the start of 2024, the study is being led by NI Water and is fully supported by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Agri-food and Biosciences (AFBI).
Ballyholme beach has been classified as having ‘poor’ bathing water status since 2022.
It even had to shut down for a time last year.
The study aims to determine why the quality has not improved.
NI Water says intensive water sampling commenced in May 2024 at the start of the bathing season, with the samples being tested for genetic Microbial Source Tracking (MST) to determine if the bacteria pollution is coming from human or from animals or a combination of both.
Angela Halpenny, NI Water Head of Environmental Regulation, said: “Ballyholme is one of 26 identified bathing waters in Northern Ireland. According to DAERA, Ballyholme beach has been classified as having ‘poor’ bathing water status since 2022."
The Cotton River is the main waterbody discharging into Belfast Lough at Ballyholme beach and we understand that it is the likely source of pollution in Ballyholme Bay.
“This study is well underway with NI Water teams collecting a minimum of 25 water samples each week. The sampling locations are both within the Ballyholme Bay itself where the public are bathing and also at key locations along the Cotton River. These samples are then delivered by NI Water to AFBI and DAERA Laboratories for analysis."
Daera's Claire Vincent told Downtown/CoolFM news that it's down to everyone to look after Northern Ireland's waters: "One good thing that has come out of Lough Neagh is that the public now are asking so many more questions about water quality and how we improve it."
"Everybody has a role to play in being careful what we flush down the toilet that they're not going to cause blockages."
"We then look at farming practices as well - and ensure we have sustainable models."
A local open water swimming group is backing the review - and told us that the poor water quality in Northern Ireland 'can't go on'.
Round the corner from Ballyholme is Brompton - which has also had poor water quality warnings recently.
'Brompton Belles & Beaux Dippers' is a group of open water swimmers - who swim regularly at various bathing waters.
Allison McWhinney is a member, she told us it is frustrating when they can't go into the water: "Our concern is we want to swim every day. We're concerned about E.coli and other infections. If someone has a break in their skin that can lead to another infection."
Fiona Miller from the group says it's down to the general public as well: "We love this place we're really proud of it. We also try to take care of it we do litter picks every time we're down. I would just encourage other people to do the same and take their litter home... because if you leave it behind you'll end up swimming with it."
Stephen Hanson says it's vital the issue is kept on top of: "It's important for both physical wellbeing and mental health. People with arthritis use the cold water therapy as well."
It is hoped that by extending the study until February 2025, authorities will better understand pollution changes in the winter season when farming practices, such as slurry spreading, are reduced.