Northern Ireland Regional Development officials have launched consultation on the proposed Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2009.

The regulations will make the monitoring of raw water quality by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) a legal requirement. NIW already carries out this monitoring as good business practice.

Assurances will also be made on the water safety plan approach recommended by the World Health Organisation by widening the scope of risk assessment.

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The identification of trends in raw water quality in a timely manner potentially enabling solutions, other than treatment, to be identified and implemented in line with Article 7 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), as part of the regulations.

Additional enforcement powers in respect of water treatment will also be enforced.

Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, said: "The proposed regulations will strengthen the legislative framework under which NI Water operates and will help us to ensure that the water supplied to customers across the North is of the highest standard possible."

The Drinking Water Inspectorate advises the department on public drinking water quality and monitors NIW's performance on its behalf.

(PR/JM)