To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the cost incurred by her Department to resolve the issue of water affected by nutrient pollution over the last five years.

The issue you have raised is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the required information.

NI Water has advised my department that the cost of treating drinking water, is made up of chemicals, power, staff, facilities and the cost to manage drinking water protected areas across the north. It cannot separate the costs to treat drinking water as a result of individual raw water constituents, risks or drinking water catchment pressures, including differences resulting from nutrient loading in the raw water source.

For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com.

Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.