County Tyrone: ‘We must act now to protect our water supplies’

Since the beginning of lockdown, the company has seen a significant rise in the amount of water used in the home.

This rise, coupled with the dry weather, has contributed to a natural drop in water levels in reservoirs.

Increased household use has not been offset by the closure of businesses, as many high water users, such as the agri-food sector, factories etc. have been able to stay operational during this time.  

Local Water Plant Manager Allister Spence said: “This recent dry spell, which has been breaking records, coupled with more people at home using more water, has resulted in a significant drop in our water levels. Some of the impounding reservoirs that serve the County Tyrone area, I have not seen this low

in years. For example, Lough Braden Reservoir is sitting at 76%. We have not seen this reservoir that low in June since 2001.

“The recent rain we have experienced is simply not enough to bring the levels back up. We would need a period of reasonably wet weather before we would see a

significant change in the levels.

“There are a number of steps NI Water can take to alleviate the stress on reservoirs including a hosepipe ban. However, the key to conserving water is public action now. How we all use our water will have a massive impact on our water levels during the summer months and whether a hosepipe ban will be required.

“For example, we know from the increase in our night usage some customers are leaving sprinklers and hoses on overnight; we appeal to them to stop. A sprinkler left on overnight is enough to meet the daily water needs of 13 families. We are also asking people to think before they use their pressure washer. Could the task be put off until we are out of this dry period?

“The easiest way for everyone to save a little water and make a big difference is through normal household tasks. If each of us turned off the tap when brushing our teeth, in a month we would save enough water for the daily handwashing of 67 people.

“If you put a jug of water in the fridge rather than running the tap, this would save approximately 18 litres per day - enough to keep nine people hydrated for a whole day! We want everyone to enjoy their home and garden, we just need people to think about how they use their water and if what they are doing is essential.” For water saving tips please go to www.niwater.com/loweryourlitres