Ulster Farmers’ Union supports NI Water hosepipe ban
01 July 2018 19:56
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is calling on the public to support NI Water’s call to reduce water consumption in order to protect resources for vital services and sectors such as agriculture, which relies on water for animal welfare and food production.
UFU President, Ivor Ferguson says, “As this prolonged spell of hot weather continues, it’s essential that all farm animals have an adequate supply of water. Even a temporary shortage would have a devastating effect on animal welfare.”
NI Water CEO Sara Venning says, “Farmers need more water at this time to ensure they can feed their livestock. We are asking people to heed the hosepipe ban and stop non-essential water use to ensure the sectors that need more will have it. In recent days, our treatment works have been operating at near maximum levels with a 30% increase in demand.”
A hosepipe ban came into force at 6pm on Friday 29 June with the following activities being prohibited until the ban is lifted:
- Watering a garden using a hosepipe;
- Watering outdoor plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe;
- Drawing water, using a hosepipe for domestic recreational use;
- Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool using a hosepipe;
- Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe;
- Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe;
- Cleaning a private motor vehicle using a hosepipe;
- Cleaning walls or windows of domestic premises using a hosepipe;
- Cleaning paths or patios of domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe;
NI Water CEO Sara Venning concludes, “The hosepipe ban is in place to protect the public against the increased threat of supply interruptions. It is essential that we all work together to reduce the unprecedented levels of demand on our networks.”
ENDS
All media enquiries to NI Water press office at press.office@niwater.com