WYG supports the regulation of H²O quality for private water supplies in Northern Ireland - 25/1/2012

WYG supports the regulation of H²O quality for private water supplies in Northern Ireland - 25/1/2012

Award-winning consultant WYG continues to provide a service designed to help safeguard drinking water for Northern Ireland's private water supplies as its contract with the NI Environment Agency is extended up till 2013.

In April 2003 WYG was commissioned by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, a functional group within the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to co-ordinate the 'Private Water Supply Monitoring' programme to sample the quality of water supplies, mostly groundwaters, intended for human consumption.

Throughout the project WYG has worked closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate and up to 22 different Councils on a monthly basis to manage the frequency of water sampling and type of water analysis for private water supplies in use across Northern Ireland.

Conor Lydon, Principal Hydrogeologist, WYG said: "Since 2003 we have developed a strong understanding of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's requirements in relation to this continually evolving project. We are delighted to be continuing the relationship with NIEA.

"There have been four contract extensions over the life of the project which each time we have tendered and each time been successful. This contract extension reaffirms our commitment to servicing our clients and clearly shows that we are delivering a high quality service whilst assisting the NIEA in meeting their objectives in the regulation of private water supplies in Northern Ireland.

"As project coordinator for the 'Private Water Supply Monitoring' programme, it is our responsibility to organise the scheduling of samples, which are undertaken by local environmental health officers on a monthly basis, collection of the water samples, sample delivery to both chemical and bacteriological laboratories and the collation and preparation of project specific reports.  It is imperative that we keep to a tight schedule and are meticulous in adhering to the project protocols to ensure the reporting of accurate water quality data for private water supplies in Northern Ireland.

"Where possible bacteriological samples are required to be delivered to the laboratory within six hours of collection to ensure the integrity of the results is not compromised."