Vandals Break into Altmore Dam, Cappagh

04 August 2011 12:37

NI Water is calling for an end to acts of vandalism at its Altmore Water Treatment Works in Cappagh outside Dungannon after the facility was broken into over the weekend.

Vandals gained access by cutting off the door lock. Major damage was caused to the works by the opening valves that resulted in the level of the adjoining dam to decrease.

Whilst the damage is costly to repair and replace, NI Water’s Derek Kelly explains why there is even more reason to be concerned:

"The damage caused by these young people is a drain on NI Water’s valuable time and resources, it costs NI Water thousands of pounds to replace damaged equipment and clear up the mess that is made. However, the real cost could be much worse if a terrible accident occurs on this site and someone loses their life. This is the reality of the situation.

"The adjoining dam can be very deep at times and if someone were to fall in, there is no guarantee that they will be able to make it out. Dams can also be dangerously cold which could cause hyperthermia. Not only this, but the location of this dam is quite remote, if someone was to get into difficulty, there is no guarantee that they would be found in time.

"These young people are endangering themselves by breaking into this site."

The advice is simple – stay away. This is not harmless fun, it can result in serious injury, death or a criminal record if you are caught.

To report an incident at any NI Water site, please phone Waterline on 08457 440088.