Coleraine Farm Is First To Achieve Consumer Council’s Water Champion Gold Status

06 June 2013 10:21

The Consumer Council has awarded Gateside Farm near Coleraine its 'Water Champion Gold' status. It is the first farm in Northern Ireland to receive the Water Champions Award.
John and Rhonda Lynn who run the 130 acre mixed farm took part in the Consumer Council's 'Water Champion Award' scheme which was developed in partnership with Invest NI and NI Water.  Businesses and farms that demonstrate how they have saved money by reducing water usage and putting in place water efficiency measures are awarded the 'Water Champion' accolade.  The awards are free to enter.
John replaced his old and disjointed water system with 2km of new pipe in 2010 and fitted 20 new animal drinking troughs.  Speaking about the award John said:
“It is fantastic to have won the Consumer Council’s Water Champion Gold status. We installed the new system so we could have 100 per cent control and peace of mind.  It is not just about replacing old or worn out equipment which can be expensive.  I read my water meters weekly meaning I can closely monitor the farm’s water use, isolate leaks quickly and can have peace of mind that we won't get any huge water bills.  I would encourage all farmers to make the regular checking of their water meters and maintenance of equipment like water troughs a normal part of their farm management routine”.
Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council said:
"The Consumer Council is delighted that Gateside Farm has become the first farm in Northern Ireland to be awarded the ‘Water Champion Gold’ status. The Water Champions campaign is aimed at helping businesses and farms improve water efficiency and save between 30 and 50 per cent of their water bills.  This can be done by installing no cost - or investing in low cost - water reduction technologies.  All businesses and farms can benefit and the awards are free to enter.”
The Consumer Council has developed online information to help farmers calculate their water usage, make sure they are getting all the allowances due to them, work out Average Daily Consumption (ADC), assessed charges and possible unmeasured charges.
For further details about the scheme or for a free copy of Every Drop Counts, a guide for businesses and farms to improve their water efficiency, visit: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/water/champions, or telephone 0800 121 6022