Health hazard warnings barring public use of two council maintained lakes remain in place with new water quality results due next week.
Poor conditions of Castlewellan in Co Down and Camlough Lake in south Armagh were identified on Tuesday (Aug 12) amid a warning for the people not to enter the waterways as they could become ill.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) has provided an update to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) though the pollutant in question is yet to be made public.
A council spokesperson said: “While both Castlewellan and Camlough lakes are not designated as bathing waters, due to the high level of recreational use at both Castlewellan and Camlough Lakes, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has undertaken water quality testing from May and will continue to do so until September 2025.
“While this is not a statutory obligation, it is undertaken to provide users with guidance regarding the quality of the water, at a particular sample point in time.
“The most recent test, which is a standard for bathing, has indicated below sufficient water quality at both lakes.
“As a precaution, this guidance has been provided to recreational users at both Camlough and Castlewellan Lake.”
The LDRS understands that the water concerns are not around blue-green algae.
Castlewellan Lake located within the forest park attracts thousands of visitors annually for a variety of activities, including canoeing, paddle-boarding, and fishing.
Camlough Lake is also due for a major development with plans for the council to generate a water activity facility supported by £2.8m of UK Levelling Up funds.
The conditions at the waterways were initially raised on July 29, however further testing has been done with the lakes identified as still unsafe for public health and safety
The spokesperson added:”Re-sampling has been undertaken, and a result is expected on Thursday 21st August. Public notices remain in place providing this guidance to users of the lake.
“Poor water conditions may cause minor health risks, particularly if water is swallowed, inhaled or comes into contact with broken skin. This may include mild stomach upsets, skin rashes, or other minor illnesses.
“The council has engaged relevant statutory agencies on seeking further guidance on the water quality.”
