Video: Is there something you can do to stop blue-green algae production on Lough Neagh?
How can households in Northern Ireland contribute to solving the blue-green algae problem which has created an environmental crisis on Lough Neagh?
According to environmental scientist, Dr Les Gornall, it can start in the kitchen of your home with the installation of a ultra-pure low pressure reverse osmosis filter.
The Magherafelt man feels so strongly about benefits of a filter that he had one installed and urges others to consider doing the same.
It is relatively inexpensive and could make a big difference in reducing the ongoing pollution problem.
Next Tuesday evening, November 25, Dr Gornall is having an 'open to all' public meeting in the main hall at Ballyronan Marina Centre on the western shores of the Lough.
He will look at the role of phosphorus in blue-green algae production and provide a strategy for reducing the frequency and intensity of the algae bloom.
He said: “I will discuss the question of why it is still allowable to sell phosphorus based detergents for washing clothes and dishes in the Lough Neagh Catchment and a solution to this - a phosphorus free detergent system that is half the price of the detergents available in the shops. Free samples will be given out for people to try. If they like them they can order them on line for themselves.”
Dr Gornall stresses that he has no financial interest in the transaction, only a deep concern and interest in finding a solution to the algae bloom which is threatening the future of the Lough.
"Then we will look at the problem of drinking water that is not ‘wholesome’, in other words the water is delivered with either colour, taste, smell. The answer is an ultra-pure low pressure reverse osmosis filter and these are put together in Toomebridge by a local company at a very economical cost,” he continued.
“Roy Roddy will bring one along to demonstrate the unit and I will have video of my own fitted unit which has turned out to be a great solution to pollution.”
Dr Gornall says families can protect themselves from residue chemicals in the water supply while helping to remove blue green algae.
The meeting next Tuesday is 7.30pm for 8pm start.