No Fears on Water Supply, but Hydrant Abuse Must Stop

19 July 2013 16:04

NI Water has moved to reassure customers regarding concerns that the recent warm weather may have an adverse effect on water supplies.  Commenting on the levels in local reservoirs, Charlie Gallagher, Head of Water Supply at NI Water, said:

“Supplies in all our reservoirs are well in line with what we would expect at this time of year, and they currently stand at 90% capacity overall.  As always, we continually monitor those levels to ensure that supplies to our customers are maintained. Although the position is satisfactory, we would ask all customers to be aware that water is a precious commodity and it is vital that we all do our part to conserve supplies. We are lucky to have a plentiful supply of water in Northern Ireland; however, we can all play a part in helping to conserve the water we have.’’

For example:

• 68% of all UK water consumption is within the bathroom, with the shower alone accounting for a quarter of our daily use.  That’s 37.5 litres for everyone every day!

• 423 million litres of water are flushed down Northern Ireland’s toilets every year.  Across the UK, that’s 740 billion litres of water – enough to fill 300,000 Olympic sized swimming pools!

• Up to 5 litres of water can be washed down the sink every minute if you leave the tap on when brushing your teeth.  

Charlie continued: ‘‘In recent days we have faced difficulties in some areas, particularly in the greater Belfast area, where some customers have experienced difficulties as a result of Fire Hydrant abuse. We would appeal for the support of the public in tackling this problem. We are grateful for the support that we have already received from elected representatives and community workers in those instances where hydrants have been vandalised and we will continue to work with the community to alleviate the problems that arise.   We would emphasise that what might seem like harmless fun can actually be extremely dangerous in relation to fire prevention, and a huge inconvenience for those who lose water supply as a result.  I would appeal to those involved in this to think about who they are putting at risk; it could even be their own family or friends.  NI Water is asking communities to say ‘NO’ to this anti-social behaviour and report vandalism to the PSNI or to Waterline on 08457 44 00 88.’’