The Utility Regulator for the water and sewerage industry in Northern Ireland has welcomed the launch of NI Water’s public information campaign, which provides advice to consumers on steps they can take to ensure a continuous water supply over the winter period.

Earlier this year, the Utility Regulator published a report into NI Water’s handling of the December 2010-January 2011 freeze/thaw incident which led to water supply disruptions for around 450,000 consumers. The report identified 56 actions which were assembled into a Recovery Action plan to mitigate against the impact of harsher winters in the future, and to improve the consumer experience of the service provided should such an incident happen again.

Utility Regulator Director of Water Jo Aston said:

“The freeze/thaw incident of last winter was a distressing time for many consumers and we have been working with NI Water to ensure the lessons learned have been acted upon, and recommendations in the Recovery Action plan implemented.

Our investigation established that some 80% of the additional demand arose from increased water usage/leakage by businesses and households. It is therefore important that consumers take measures to prevent frozen pipes and leakage in their own premises.

NI Water’s public information campaign is a positive step in ensuring consumers are given the necessary information to help take proactive steps to protecting their pipes over the winter months”.