Exploratory Drilling At Forest Poses 'No Threat' To Public Water Supply - NI Water

NI water has confirmed that the exploratory drilling oil work being carried out by Infrastrata at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus poses "no threat to the water supply to the public".

The firm made the admission at a meeting with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

NI Water officials told councillors: "The security and safety of the public water supply is NI Water's top priority. The company would not carry out or permit any activity which would jeopardise the quality of the water delivered to our customers.


"All requests for activities within the catchment area which we own are assessed to ensure there will be no residual risk to the drinking water supply."

NI Water has also carried out a detailed analysis of the risks to the public water supply in the Dorisland Catchment.

NI Water officials continued: "There are six impounding reservoirs which hold water before it flows to Dorisland impounding reservoir, prior to entering the treatment works. The exploratory drill site has been taken out of the catchment area by taking 2 raw water reservoirs, the Woodburn South reservoirs, out of the supply catchment.

"As a precaution and to assist with allying public fears, NI Water has put increased monitoring of raw water in place at all reservoirs and at the treatment works (with automatic shutdown)."

(CD)