Two south Belfast alleyway projects are exploring different ways they can use water outdoors more wisely thanks to support from NI Water’s education team.

NI Water’s education team recently delivered some free waterbutts to Rossmore Alley and Foxglove Alley after the local community groups contacted them to find out how they could access a more sustainable water supply that would help residents and volunteers to maintain flowers, plants and trees in the shared green spaces.

Olivia McIntyre who helped start the Foxglove Alley in Stranmillis, Belfast in 2024 said the waterbutts have made a massive difference to the spaces. She said: “We’re finding other reasons to use the waterbutts as an alternative to hosepipes and buckets, including washing windows and washing out bins. This not only helps save water but also helps care for the environment too.”

NI Water education officer Anna Killen personally delivered the waterbutts to both projects. Anna said: “We’re always proud to support community projects that promote water conservation, sustainability and bringing people together. Providing a simple solution like waterbutts for rainwater collection as an alternative water supply for outdoors use can make a real, lasting difference. It’s also fantastic to see local residents enjoying watching their gardens thrive.

“You’d be surprised how much water we all use on a daily basis - 153 litres per person, however much of that is sent back down the drain. Although we get plenty of rain in Northern Ireland, this rainwater has to be cleaned at our treatment works before it goes into the taps. Using a waterbutt to catch the rain is just one way we can play our part to ensure there's enough water for everyone now and in the future.”

There are lots of ways people can save water by looking at everyday habits and seeing where they can be changed. Why not give NI Water’s online ‘Get Water Fit’ water audit a go on www.getwaterfit.co.uk to find out more about how and where you use water and discover easy ways to make savings. To apply for a free waterbutt, email NI Water’s education team on education@niwater.com 

Reasons to install a waterbutt:

• Fresh water is a precious resource.
• A sprinkle of rainwater is similar to a light dose of fertiliser because rainwater contains nitrates and organic matter, so it feeds and nourishes the plants as you're watering them.
• Rainwater is 100% soft on plants, free from the salts, minerals and chemicals found in treated tap water, natural ground water and surface water.
• Rainwater is slightly acidic, which helps create the soil conditions that the majority of plants prefer.
• A waterbutt reduces your home's carbon footprint by reducing the amount delivered to the property and energy costs associated with treating and pumping this water.
• Waterbutts cut pressure on other fresh water resources.
• Waterbutts support the recycling industry and are made from hardwearing recycled plastic.
• Waterbutts are quick and easy to install with attachments that fit to downpipes.
• Around 640 litres of water could be harvested a year from a 7ft x 5ft shed roof - that's enough to keep 50 tomato plants healthy for up to three months.

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Captions for photographs:

·         Pic 1: Rossmore’s Dervla O’Brien pictured alongside local residents

·         Pic 2: Olivia McIntyre from Foxglove Alley pictured with NI Water’s Anna Killen and local residents.

Media enquiries to the NI Water press office via email to press.office@niwater.com