Update: Northern Ireland Water Freeze / Thaw Actions 2010/11

Northern Ireland Water has made a commitment to the Regulator to undertake a number of actions following the Freeze/Thaw problems over the winter of 2010/11. An update on progress against these actions is included below.

Letter from Chairman Sean Hogan - 30 September 2011

Overview

During the exceptional winter weather in 2010/11 temperatures were the coldest for 100 years. The very rapid thaw resulted in significant supply interruptions. Around 80% of the additional water demand leaked from customer water pipes, the remaining from NI Water’s network. NI Water is working proactively on the 53 recommendations of the Utility Regulators Report, which will give customers the support and service required in any incident. http://www.niwater.com/winterfreeze.asp

In the coming months NI Water is running a Mock Incident which will test the improved procedures and ensure all possible measures are in place to protect customer supply and provide a significantly better service. This is coupled with a customer advertising campaign which will educate the public of how they can help protect their own pipes through insulating. http://www.niwater.com/dont-wait-insulate.asp

Progress against the 53 actions has been encouraging to date, with 39 completed (as of 31 January 2012), and the remaining on target to be met within the delivery dates programmed.

The 53 actions have been split into 7 main themes, further details can be found on the customer benefits of each action by clicking below: