Skip to content

People advised against bathing due to high levels of E. coli

News imageGoogle A beach seen from the road. In the foreground a low wall and then metal barrier. In the background houses along a headland with fields and trees behind them.Google
High levels of E. coli were detected in water around Ballygally in County Antrim

People have been advised against bathing in water at Ballygally near Larne in County Antrim after high levels of E. coli were found in the water.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) issued the temporary advice on Friday afternoon after the water was sampled.

Daera said to look out for bathing water operator signs for specific advice.

E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that normally live in human and animal intestines. Some types are harmless, but others can make people seriously ill.

Levels of E. coli can rise after heavy rainfall when bacteria from agricultural run-off and sewage discharges are washed into rivers and coastal waters.

Allow X content?

This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read  and  before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. X content may contain adverts.

Safe swimming thresholds are measured in Colony Forming Units (CFU) per 100ml of water.

At Northern Ireland's coastal bathing waters, DAERA can issue advice against bathing when E. coli levels exceed 1,250 CFU per 100ml.