Locals disgusted with water quality at River Quoile
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Locals disgusted with water quality at River Quoile

Date: 10 March 2020

Category: General News

Read: 5min Read

Clean up the Quoile conducted a survey among Downpatrick residents recently (May 2022), asking them whether they thought the River Quoile was in a good environmental condition.

78% of respondents said they believed the River Quoile was not in a good environmental condition and that deterred them from visiting the area.

  • 67.9% stated that the water looks/smells bad
  • 48.6% believed waste water treatment was polluting the river
  • 29.3% thought agriculture was a contributing factor

If water quality was improved, respondents felt the area would attract more people and resonate more as a family friendly destination, support wellbeing and mental health, give local tourism a major boost, and restore vital fish stocks.

 

River Quoile in poor environmental condition

 

Water quality

When asked about water quality, the majority of respondents believed the River Quoile needed to be improved for recreational use, with more than three quarters saying that not enough was being done to protect water quality. If water quality was improved, the group said they would visit the Quoile area more regularly.

Clean up the Quoile has engaged with the Rivers Trust who will support us on our journey to clean up the Quoile.

 

Pictured is blocked tunnels at the River Quoile.
Pictured are blocked tunnels at the River Quoile on the Belfast Road, Downpatrick

 

Show your support for the Clean up the Quoile campaign by signing our petition.