Home / Environment / Beach Warning Lifted: Water Safe After Pollution Scare
Beach Warning Lifted: Water Safe After Pollution Scare
4 Jun
Summary
- Bathing advice at Portstewart Strand was withdrawn.
- Water tests confirmed no public risk from pollution.
- Similar advisory for Helen's Bay has also been lifted.
Water quality tests have confirmed that Portstewart Strand is safe for public bathing, leading to the withdrawal of earlier advisory notices. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) had issued a precautionary warning on Wednesday following a suspected pollution incident at the popular north coast beach.
Water samples taken by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Daera showed that levels of bacteria, potentially from sewage or animal waste, were not high enough to pose a risk. The National Trust, which manages the beach, confirmed they were notified that the results were within normal limits.
Consequently, the warning that advised the public against swimming and recommended keeping dogs away from the water has been removed. Officials also lifted a similar temporary bathing prohibition for Helen's Bay in County Down, issued on Tuesday. Members of the public are encouraged to consult the NI Bathing Water Quality Dashboard and on-site signage for the latest updates.
