NI Water may be left with no choice but to close some reservoir sites after recent scrambler damage compromised the health and safety of the dams.

The water company is issuing a strong reminder to the public that anti-social behaviour, including the use of quad bikes, cannot be tolerated at its reservoirs and says it may have to close some of its sites over the St Patrick’s bank holiday weekend.

The call comes after scrambler damage was reported at Woodburn, Seagahan and Stoneyford reservoirs.

Gary Presho, NI Water Area Manager commented:

“As our photographs show, the grassland around the reservoirs has been badly damaged and with heavy rain we could well start to see erosion which could impact the structural integrity of the dam. It is not possible to repair the grass until ground conditions improve. The reservoir safety team are therefore carefully monitoring for early signs of erosion, but any further damage will only accelerate the issue. This may well result in the need to drain the reservoirs concerned until repairs are completed.

“What may seem like harmless fun is in fact an extremely dangerous activity. NI Water is now taking into consideration the recent extensive damage caused at the Woodburn, Seagahan and Stoneyford reservoirs and may need to consider closing these sites in the interest of public safety.”

The use of scramblers or quad bikes across NI Water sites is strictly prohibited. The walking trails through the forests and around the dams are used by families on a regular basis.

“There always seems to be a particular increase in scrambler damage at our reservoir sites during holiday periods, resulting in serious health and safety issues. With the St Patrick’s bank holiday coming up this weekend, we would like to remind the public that NI Water strictly prohibits

Gary Presho warned with motorbikes also using these trails there was “an accident waiting to happen”, commenting:

“Not only are they endangering public safety, they are also causing damage to the reservoir embankments and paths, making some of the paths inaccessible.

“NI Water would appeal to community leaders and political representatives to support us in tackling any further anti-social behaviour across all NI Water sites. The whole community needs to help us put a stop to this behaviour before this impacts on vital water services, which are essential for the local community.”