25/07/2001
EU launch legal action to ensure safer drinking water
The European Commission is to launch legal action against the British Government if it does not comply with EU rules relating to the provision of safe drinking water in Northern Ireland and Wales.
The EU Drinking Water Directive is a piece of national legislation which details maximum acceptable levels of chemicals and organisms in water meant for public consumption. The Directive was supposed to have been introduced throughout the UK by December 25 2000, but so far has only been implemented in England and Scotland.
The European Commission have now issued the British Government with an ultimatum which effectively gives Britain two months to comply with the legislation before the matter is brought to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
EU Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom described safe drinking water as “a basic right” and expressed her disappointment that many other countries have similarly failed to adopt the legislation, including Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Sweden. (CL)
The EU Drinking Water Directive is a piece of national legislation which details maximum acceptable levels of chemicals and organisms in water meant for public consumption. The Directive was supposed to have been introduced throughout the UK by December 25 2000, but so far has only been implemented in England and Scotland.
The European Commission have now issued the British Government with an ultimatum which effectively gives Britain two months to comply with the legislation before the matter is brought to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
EU Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom described safe drinking water as “a basic right” and expressed her disappointment that many other countries have similarly failed to adopt the legislation, including Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Sweden. (CL)
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19 August 2002
Work begins on £20m Mourne water treatment works
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Work begins on £20m Mourne water treatment works
Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson has helped to lay the foundations of the new £20 million Mourne Water Treatment Works at Drumaroad, near Castlewellan. It will be the largest Water Treatment Works to be constructed in Northern Ireland and will treat 155 million litres of water per day, supplied from the Silent Valley in the Mournes.
03 October 2023
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23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
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05 September 2018
Water Safety And Quality Remains High Across NI
The safety and quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains high but there is "no room for complacency", the latest report from Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has said.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.