Rivers

Rivers are important natural resources for agriculture, fisheries, and recreational use, as well as a sources of drinking water. Around 13% of drinking water in Northern Ireland is taken from rivers, while many waterways also support fresh water habitats with species of national and international importance.

However, some uses can threaten the water quality of rivers, while there may also be pollution from other activities in the surrounding areas.

Pollution can be from single sources such as industrial or sewage discharges.It can also come from diffuse sources, such as road or agricultural run-off.

Ultimately, pollution entering rivers makes its way into the marine environment and affects estuarine and coastal water quality.

It is important that rivers are protected from pollution and managed as a sustainable resource as many of the activities based in and around our rivers depend on standards being maintained.

The findings of our water and effluent quality monitoring project carried out in 2000 are detailed here:

Managing the Water Environment in Northern Ireland 2000(.PDF 2.38Mb).