Hosepipe ban is lifted but further warnings issued

Hosepipe ban is lifted but further warnings issued

25 July 2018

NORTHERN Ireland Water has lifted its hosepipe ban but warned consumers across the district that more dry weather could result in additional restrictions being imposed.

The ban was lifted last Thursday despite a significant in the water level at Spelga Dam in the heart of the Mournes. The water level at the nearby Silent Valley reservoir has also dipped significantly.

NI Water says it was able to end the ban as a result of the “fantastic response” from consumers to conserve water which resulted in demand decreasing by one third which is equivalent to a billion litres daily.

The organisation’s chief executive, Sarah Venning, said water treatment works, which were struggling to meet this exceptional demand, with large scale water supply interruptions imminent, were now coping comfortably with demand.

But while the hosepipe ban has been lifted, Ms Venning stressed a continued focus on water conservation is essential. 

“Ideally, we would like to see demand reduced still further or at least maintained at its present level to avoid the prospect of the ban having to be reintroduced. This is achievable if we continue to use water wisely,” she explained.

“Many customers have adopted new habits and ways to conserve water in everyday life and we hope they will continue with these changes. While we can all take steps to control our demand, the supply of raw water depends on rainfall.”

The NI Water chief executive explained levels of raw water storage in impounding reservoirs is being closely monitored.

She said while recent rainfall has been a welcome development and has helped farmers and gardeners, the amount of rain has not been sufficient to have a positive impact on levels in many of our impounding reservoirs.

“These levels have not yet reached the point which would trigger the need for the imposition of restrictions, including a hosepipe ban and do not represent a threat to water supplies in the short term,” said Ms Venning. “A continued period without rain will see reservoir levels fall further and may result in the need for additional restrictions.”

The chief executive said that similar to other water companies, NI Water is already taking precautionary measures to protect reservoirs which are most at risk. 

“These measures include reducing demand on them by reducing the area they supply and bringing in water from other, more plentiful water sources,” said Ms Venning.

She added: “As always, the continuous provision of clean, safe drinking water to all our customers remains our primary objective.  

“By working together to reduce demand, we will preserve the water in our impounding reservoirs and mitigate the prospect of renewed restrictions having to be imposed until our reservoirs are recharged by the return of normal rainfall levels.”