Residents in Northern Ireland complain about foul tap water

Residents in parts of Mid-Ulster, Northern Ireland, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the taste and smell of their tap water, describing it as 'rank' and 'mouldy.' Chris Ennion, a local resident, reported that the unpleasant odor intensifies when the water is warm, particularly during showers. Despite these complaints, NI Water has assured the public that the water is safe to drink, attributing the taste and smell to algae levels in Lough Neagh and naturally occurring compounds from beetroot and soil. Dymphna Gallagher, head of drinking water regulation at NI Water, emphasized that while the water may have an earthy and musty taste, it meets safety standards. She noted that the treatment process is designed to handle the algae present in the raw water. However, some residents remain skeptical, with calls for NI Water to conduct water sampling to reassure the public about the water's safety. The situation has led to concerns among residents, with some, like Lauren McCulla, expressing shock after tasting their tap water, which they likened to stagnant, mouldy water. Despite the assurances from NI Water, the complaints highlight a growing unease among the community regarding the quality of their drinking water. NI Water has stated that they monitor the water quality daily and are confident in the treatment works' ability to provide safe drinking water. Nevertheless, the ongoing complaints and the perception of poor water quality may lead to increased scrutiny and demands for further action from the water authority.