28 Million Litres of Water Tankered Across NI

25 July 2021 16:52

NI Water has moved a staggering 28 million litres of water by tanker across Northern Ireland since the ‘High Demand’ incident began on 16 July.   To date, over 36 tankers have carried 1350 loads of treated water to reservoirs which were struggling to cope with customer demand.   The mammoth operation involved staff from across the business making sure the tankers continued to operate 24/7. 

Des Nevin, Director of Customer Operations, comments:

“This is one of the largest movements of water across the network by tanker that NI Water has ever carried out.  It is a complex process as we have to ensure every tanker is cleaned and sterilised, that there are staff available and working throughout the night to fill and drive the tankers, and our scientific teams are on hand sampling the water to ensure it continues to meet stringent quality control checks. 

“We are also extremely grateful to a number of local companies who have stepped in to provide us with additional tankers and drivers and to local councils who have assisted with the distribution of bowsers and water where needed.

“When we have unprecedented weather, with amber warnings for heat, we are truly in a situation where we need everyone to work together to keep the water flowing and ensure there is enough for everyone.  Our customers have a huge part to play in this, and we have seen the message getting through to people as demand is slightly falling. 

“The tankering will continue, however, as long as the need is there.  Our staff will continue working throughout the day and night until the network has stabilised.   We have seen our staff step up and go the extra mile throughout lockdown, continuing to serve the public at critical times, once again throughout this incident they have shown their commitment and dedication.”

Avoid wasting water where it is not necessary but please stay hydrated.  That way NI Water will ensure everyone has sufficient water for hygiene and daily use.

Some of the easiest tips to save water that can make a massive difference include:

Additional Tips for Garden:

• Lawns are great survivors - a sprinkler can use as much as 1,000 litres of clean drinking water in a single hour; more than a family of four would use in a whole day. Even when they look dry and brown, they’ll spring back with the first heavy rain, so avoid watering them wherever possible.
• Buy water efficient plants - If you are buying new plants now the garden centres are open look out for water efficient plants that still brighten your garden
• Be pot savvy - If you’re potting up or planting containers, use ones made from plastic, glazed terracotta or wood. These tend to lose less water than bare terracotta. Bury a short length of pipe into your pot; if you water into the tube the water goes directly to the roots where the plant needs it most
• Mulch weeds away - Use mulches like bark chips or gravel to retain moisture and keep weeds down

Tips for House:

• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth - A running tap can use 6 litres of water per minute.
• Make full use of your washing machine - Half load programmes on washing machines use more than half the water and energy of a full load, so wait until the machine is full before switching it on.
• Take shorter showers - Why not challenge yourself and your family to shower one minute quicker? In a year you could save up to 10,000 litres of water!
• Take a shower instead of a bath - One bath can use up to 100 litres of water, whereas an efficient shower uses under 50 litres. But remember power showers can use more water than baths.
• Car washing - Avoid washing cars and vans frequently, use a bucket and sponge

NI Water are encouraging customers to sign up to its free text alert service which keeps them updated about anything that may impact on their water supply or any of our other services in the area. Sign up here https://www.niwater.com/register-for-keeping-you-informed/

ENDS

For more information please contact press.office@niwater.com