The Environment Agency warns of no quick fix to the issue, which particularly affects Lough Neagh.
Blue-green algae has been found in 65 different locations across Northern Ireland over the summer
Dymphna Gallagher, head of drinking water regulation at NIW, said: "We can give complete assurance that drinking water from Lough Neagh, taken to our treatment works and treated, is safe to drink. During the briefing, Stormont officials said algae growth is linked to excess nutrients in the water. Climate change is another factor cited, with the highest ever water temperature at Lough Neagh recorded in June.A number of water-based businesses on Lough Neagh have also had to stop operating.Gareth Greer, from the water management unit at the NIEA, said the majority of the reports of the alage have been around Lough Neagh but they have also spread along the River Bann and reached beaches on the north coast.
"There is no quick fix to this problem. It has been a long time in the making and it will take a bit of time to solve."
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