Newcastle Flooding
05 July 2012 14:10
NI Water’s Waterline number, which is a 24/7 number, has received 26 flooding calls and 5 blocked sewer calls from the Newcastle area. Initial reports indicate the pumping stations and assets serving Mourneview Park and Marguerite Park (Murlough Wastewater Pumping Station and The Burren River Pumping Station) were operating to full capacity and functioning as designed.Staff are on site continuing to investigate the reports of flooding, checking all assets and providing assistance in the vicinity of Mourneview, Railway Street, Larkfield Park and Burrendale park road.
NI Water has recently invested £4.5 million in the Newcastle sewerage system as a result of a comprehensive and wide ranging Drainage Area Study. There were no upgrades identified in the Donard Park area and therefore any flooding which has occurred has been as a result of the extremely heavy rainfall.
NI Water has made the following preparations in response to the continued unsettled weather:
Ӣ NI Water is liaising with local Councils and has, along with other agencies, participated in a multi-agency conference call hosted by Down Council to review and coordinate the multi-agency response.
Ӣ The NI Water Waterline number 08457 440088 has additional resources available to receive calls and provide advice to customers.
Ӣ Additional staff and contractors are on high alert and ready to respond to calls.
Ӣ Key sites are being monitored to ensure assets are functioning efficiently.
Ӣ NI Water staff will attend critical pumping stations to ensure pumps and screens are operating efficiently.
In the event of further flooding, NI Water has a fully planned reactive response to all operational emergencies. This plan covers a range of measures which NI Water will implement in partnership with other agencies.
Customers who require further information can contact NI Water on 08457 44 00 88