The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has launched an online survey, aimed at farmers and the agri-food sector, on the use and protection of groundwater.

NIEA Chief Executive David Small said: "Groundwater can be found beneath most parts of Northern Ireland and forms an integral part of the water cycle. It is an important natural source of water for our rural community and is used extensively in the farming and agri-food industries as well as being a popular source of drinking water in rural areas.

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"However, it is also through the activities of these industries that groundwater may be contaminated. Fertilisers and pesticides may cause possible contaminants or pollutants to leach into water deposits on the land and harm drinking water supplies.

"So we are asking the agri-food sector and farming community about their use of groundwater resources and whether they feel enough is being done to protect groundwater and its quality for their continued use."

The survey closes at midnight on Friday 15 December.

(CD/JP)