As temperatures rise and more people enjoy time outdoors, there is a significant increase in demand for drinking water.  NI Water explains that too much demand for water may outpace the ability to treat and distribute it quickly enough through the system.

The question often asked is why would there be an issue with water when it has rained so much? However, the challenge is not the amount of water, it’s the demand for it. 

Paul Bryce, Head of Water with NI Water, said: "When the weather warms up, water use can soar almost overnight. While a sprinkler, pressure washer or running tap may not seem like much on its own, when thousands of households use extra water at the same time, demand can rise dramatically across the network.

"This isn't about how much raw water we have available in our reservoirs. The challenge is how quickly we can treat that water to drinking-water standards and get it into customers' taps. 

"Our treatment works and network operate around the clock, but when everyone reaches for the tap at the same time, demand can exceed what the system can supply in the short term. That's when customers may notice lower pressure or, in some cases, temporary interruptions.

"The good news is that small changes by lots of people can make a big difference. What you do now with your water really matters.  By changing a few small things, we can keep taps flowing for everyone."

NI Water is encouraging customers to make a few simple water-saving swaps during periods of warm weather:

• Give the sprinkler a summer holiday – your lawn will thank you when the rain returns.
• Use a watering can instead of a hose for plants and flowers.
• Delay power washing patios and driveways until cooler weather.
• Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it turns cold.
• Only run washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Check for dripping taps and leaking overflows around your home.

As the sunshine continues, NI Water is asking everyone to enjoy the good weather, stay hydrated, and remember that every drop counts. By making a few simple changes, customers can help reduce pressure on the network and protect supplies for families, neighbours and communities across Northern Ireland.

Ends

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

Notes to Editors

• As the bank holiday approaches, companies closing for any period of time should check their premises for leaks and ensure taps are turned off.
• With more people expected to visit outdoor spaces during the warm weather and over the bank holiday weekend, NI Water is also reminding the public to stay safe around reservoirs. Reservoirs may look calm and inviting, but they are working sites and can be extremely cold, deep and dangerous. Swimming, paddling, inflatables, paddle boarding and other water-based activities are not permitted at NI Water reservoirs.
• Visitors should respect safety signage, stay back from the water’s edge, supervise children closely and keep dogs on leads near water. If someone gets into difficulty, do not enter the water; call 999 or 101 and ask for the fire service if inland.