Water testing concerns about Castlewellan Lake

Water testing concerns about Castlewellan Lake

20 August 2025

THE results of the latest water samples to be taken from Castlewellan Lake in the midst of increasing concerns about its safety will be known tomorrow.

The lake attracts thousands of visitors annually and is maintained by Newry, Mourne and Down Council which has yet to reveal what pollutant has been found.

Council officials have been sampling the water since May and several weeks ago advised the public not to enter the lake after samples had been analysed.

While the lake is not one of the district’s designated bathing waters — due to the high level of recreational use — water samples are tested by the council even though the local authority is not legally obliged to do so.

Officials say the testing regime is in place to provide guidance on water quality at a waterway which it manages and is hugely popular with local people and visitors alike.

Water testing is due to end next month when the bathing season officially ends, with council officials also flagging up water quality issues at Camlough Lake outside Newry.

Members of the public are being advised to stay out of both waterways, but it’s understood the quality issue is not linked to blue algae.

Local councillor Alan Lewis says he is working with the council to ensure Castlewellan Lake does not pose a public health risk.

He said the public is being asked to adhere to signage which has been erected at the lake and to monitor social media updates from the council.

“This is a protective health measure and we are working towards making sure the water quality will be up to standard in the coming weeks,” he added.

A local authority spokeswoman confirmed that while Castlewellan Lake is not designated as a bathing water, due to the high level of recreational use, the organisation has undertaken water quality testing from May and will continue to do so until September.

“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 spokeswoman continued.

“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 Castlewellan Lake. Resampling has been undertaken and a result is expected tomorrow and a public notice remains in place providing this guidance to users of the lake.”

The spokeswoman said poor water conditions may cause minor health risks, particularly if water is swallowed, inhaled or comes into contact with broken skin. 

She added: “This may include mild include stomach upsets, skin rashes, or other minor illnesses. The council has engaged relevant statutory agencies on seeking further guidance on the water quality.”

Confirmation of issues with the water quality at the picturesque lake comes as work on a £5.5m revitalisation programme continues at the sprawling forest park.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is taking over of the management of the stunning forest park which attracts tens of visitors yearly.

The revitalisation project is being backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the local council, with the latter spearheading the ambitious project to significantly enhance facilities, with the lottery funding helping to restore a number of key features to help maximise its tourism potential.

Construction work has already commenced at the Bothy Yard thanks to funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the EU.

Proposed work includes new landscape and drainage within The Grange courtyard, a new pedestrian path from the entrance gates to the main car park, a new vehicular road off Castle Avenue to the existing car park. 

There will also be a new traffic control barrier at Castle Avenue, while caravan spaces will be relocated with the feature entrance gates at the Castle Avenue entrance restored, alongside the restoration of The Grange courtyard buildings and the reconstruction of a derelict building block.

The park’s 19th century greenhouse is also being restored with the reconstruction of the propagation house and cold frames, while one of several outbuildings will be converted to an office and volunteer space.  

Elsewhere, visitor facilities will be created in the Stove Conservatory including an interpretation centre, with a platform lift installed to provide access to the terrance for people with reduced mobility.