Belfast firm RPS Environmental Management Ltd has won a contract worth almost £7 million from NI Water.

The three-year contract will see the local company lead the sampling and transportation of water and wastewater samples.

Under the deal, RPS will operate around the clock, 365 days a year, taking samples at NI Water's treatment works and various other locations throughout both the drinking water supply and sewerage networks. The samples are then transported under strictly controlled conditions to NI Water's Analytical Services laboratories, where they undergo analysis to demonstrate compliance with water and wastewater quality regulations.

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Dymphna Gallagher Head of Drinking Water Regulation for NI Water, said: "NI Water is committed to the highest standards of water and wastewater quality throughout Northern Ireland, and we are delighted to award this major contract to Belfast firm RPS.

"The recent high demand for water, due to the hot weather meant that sampling had to be carried out at an even greater frequency, as NI Water ensured that tankered water continued to meet the same rigorous quality standards, whilst maintaining supply to its customers.

"We look forward to working together with RPS to maintain these excellent standards and level of service for our customers."

In order to meet regulatory requirements, RPS was required to attain quality standard ISO 17025 accreditation for sampling activities, which was awarded by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) in July 2021.

The contract requires samplers to accurately carry out checks on drinking water samples at various stages which provide immediate assurance to NI Water that treatment processes continue to protect public health in providing safe, clean drinking water to Northern Ireland.