Egg-citing Safety Tips to enjoy NI Water sites this Easter
15 April 2025 15:43
NI Water is reminding the public of the dangers near treatment works, reservoirs, and construction sites during the Easter Holidays. With spring in the air, it is also a timely reminder to visitors to some of our most beautiful sites to bring their rubbish home and keep their dogs on leads.
Patricia McKee, Facilities Senior Manager at NI Water said: "With school holidays approaching and the arrival of spring, we are delighted more people are venturing outdoors. However, with that comes the need to be aware sites can be dangerous and our reservoirs should be respected for everyone to use. This means bringing home rubbish, keeping dogs on leads and definitely no scrambler bikes. Warmer weather may encourage young people to go swimming, however our reservoirs are extremely dangerous places and not suitable for water activities.
“NI Water aims to protect the environment around our reservoirs and promotes a Leave No Trace policy, urging all visitors to take their litter and waste home to maintain these public spaces. Due to cross-contamination risks, our staff cannot collect litter or dog waste.
"We would also encourage the local community to stay alert to prevent vandalism at NI Water sites, as it causes unnecessary delays to vital service provision and wastes time and money on repairs."
NI Water has some simple steps on how to stay safe:
- Visitors are encouraged to take their litter and other waste, including dog waste, away from the site to the nearest bin to help keep public spaces clean.
- Don’t climb on barriers and fences - They are there to protect you from serious injury and accidents when NI Water construction work is going on.
- Stay away from trenches and open manholes - They are dirty, deep and dangerous. They may also contain hazardous gases.
- Be careful near roads - never run out from behind parked vans or lorries as you could be knocked down and injured.
- Keep clear of equipment - You may see diggers, lorries, pipes and other equipment, but don’t be tempted - steer clear and don’t touch!
- Obey ‘Danger’ signs - reservoirs and treatment works can be very dangerous places, so stay well away and always obey the warning signs.
ENDS