Update on water resources situation

10 June 2011 15:17

Across Northern Ireland we source approximately 50% of our water from impounding reservoirs. The remainder comes from natural loughs (42%, mainly Lough Neagh), rivers (7%) and borewells (1%).

Overall storage in impounding reservoirs and lakes (excluding Lough Neagh) stands at 80% of total capacity. This is a satisfactory position and compares favourably with the corresponding figures of 71% in 2004.

Storage in the Spelga/Fofanny reservoirs is at 66%. NI Water deem this storage level as satisfactory for this time of year and is confident that this level is more than sufficient to supply customers fed from these reservoirs.

In addition, the storage in Lough Island Reavy reservoir, which is a supplementary source for Fofanny is 77% of total capacity.

NI Water will continue to monitor the levels in the impounding reservoirs and will continue to take all reasonable steps to maximise water storage and enhance the security of supply. However, water is a finite resource and the public can play their part by reducing the demand for water and avoiding wastage.