Disruption to water supplies

03 January 2010 14:10

Northern Ireland Water has reported significant progress in its efforts to restore water supplies to those customers affected by ongoing freezing weather conditions.

A spokesperson commented,

"Continued progress has been made to address the water supply problems in the North and West of Northern Ireland, caused by ongoing freezing conditions. NI Water received nearly 14,000 calls since Sunday and staff have now repaired more than 51 burst watermains.

Remaining problems are isolated to areas situated significantly higher than the service reservoir supplying, primarily in Enniskillen and Ballygawley.

Alternative water supplies have been and will continue to be provided for these customers.

NI Water would urge any customer who is still experiencing supply problems to contact Waterline on 08457 440088 so we can ensure everyone affected is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

We would also like to reassure the public that while the water supply problems in the North and West are coming to an end, our teams of staff will continue to work day and night throughout Northern Ireland locating and repairing burst pipes as the cold weather continues.

It is still vital members of the public follow the advice we have issued below and help us in the location and isolation of bursts on private and public land.

NI Water would like to thank customers for their patience and support while we work to resolve the water supply problems in their area.

Advice for customers:

We would ask all customers and keyholders to check their properties, including vacant properties, for leaks and we are urging all farmers to check the drinking troughs on their land for bursts.

We would also ask that customers DO NOT run their taps unnecessarily in an effort to prevent freezing – this can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per day per customer.


NI Water’s tips for avoiding frozen pipes include:


1. Insulate water tanks and pipes in unheated areas like lofts, roof spaces, garages and outbuildings;

2. Fix dripping taps – a gentle trickle of water can freeze and completely block the pipe;

3. Keep your boiler well serviced to ensure your house is heated;

4. Open the trap door into the roof space to allow some of the warm air to circulate in the roof space;

5. If you are away from home you could leave a key with a neighbour, friend or family member who can check the house regularly for frozen pipes and to ensure there is adequate heat;

6. Know where your stop valve is in the case of an emergency - it is normally situated under the kitchen sink;

7. Write down the name and contact details of a SNIPEF (Scotland & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation) registered plumber in case a pipe does burst.

NI Water’s ‘Winter Warmer’ video can be viewed on our Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/
northernirelandwater

You can also download a leaflet from www.niwater.com/winterfreeze.asp

We would ask any customers experiencing problems to call us on 08457 440088.