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NI Water Problems

15 replies

Chil1234 · 29/12/2010 17:13

Any MN-ers struggling with lack of water in NI? Sounds like a big story but no mention here so far...

OP posts:
AlexaMulberry · 29/12/2010 17:19

I live in Belfast but I have been staying at my parents in the countryside over Christmas, they have had no problems here.

Really not looking forward to heading back to Belfast tomorrow to find that I have no , must stock up in my local Tesco as all the bottled water in shops in Belfast is sold out!!!

Eliza70 · 29/12/2010 17:37

We had none for a but yesterday (Belfast) but fine today. But my mum has had none since Monday (also Belfast) although it's due back on tonight. Was in Sainsbos and Tesco today and neither had bottled water. Think people are panicking a bit though.

Main issue was the total lack of info from NI Water, although they seem to be getting their act together a bit today and have more info on their website. Think the debate about water charges will be reignited. FYI we pay for the water through our rates not as a separate charge.

wigglesrock · 29/12/2010 18:19

In Lisburn, have had no water for 3 days, now on and off, am 33 weeks pregnant, and have 5 and 3 year old!! My mum is also on and off for several hours at a time.

Not really sure why you would think people are panicking if there's no water to wash, brush your teeth, clean the kids, wash your hands after the toilet, wash dishes etc Hmm. I am not near any of the water pick up points, in fact there wasn't a water pick up point in Lisburn (a city!!!) until today!

NI Water is a disgrace, and the fact that it is a state funded company with no competition adds to my anger (can you tell I'm raging Grin) Where is the first Minister, the Secretary of State etc, time to fly back from those holiday villas methinks!!!

Eliza70 · 29/12/2010 19:18

I meant that people are getting water even if their supply is ok, meaning people like yourself can't get even bottled stuff. There's no point in me, for example, buying loads of bottles when I don't need it. Also filling the bath, as some people are doing, is putting the system under more pressure. I also think people need to be realistic about how much water they need. Basin and flannel to wash a child should be ok, sanitizer gel for after the loo, teeth brushed with half a glass of water etc etc.

FrostyTheCrunchyFrog · 29/12/2010 21:59

We have water here (South Down) but there are constant rumours that it is about to be turned off - annoying. It's unbelivable how crappy NI water are being!

ILoveItWhenYouCallMeBoo · 29/12/2010 22:02

I'm in downpatrick and although the website says mine was to be off, it hasn't been so far. i have filled teh bath with cold water and filled as many bottles jars, jugs and vases as i own with water just incase.

there are some people who have had no water for 11 days. Sad

Waswondering · 29/12/2010 22:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Chil1234 · 30/12/2010 07:52

Just listening to the Environment Minister on the radio and he was blaming the Troubles of all things..... Xmas Hmm If the Scottish Transport Minister was made to step down for bad management there, should the same fate happen to this idiot?

OP posts:
Eliza70 · 30/12/2010 10:51

I didn't hear it but am guessing the reference to the trouble was a reference to a lack of investment in infrastructure during that time. And that means the water and sewerage system wasn't updated and can't cope with modern demands. He was asked yesterday if he would resign and said no, but I'm sure heads will roll elsewhere!

ILoveItWhenYouCallMeBoo · 30/12/2010 15:33

wtf??

I'm not good on history or politics but the troubles ended quite some time ago, surely they have had time to invest in what was already a bad system before now!!

haggis01 · 30/12/2010 16:04

I think part of the problem may be that water is paid as part of the rates. My dad can't believe how much we have to pay for water in England (around £400 in SE for a 3 bed house if on a fixed rate and more, usually, if like me the house is metered - sewerage charges are so high). I suppose there has been virtually no investment in the pipe work but the government does not want to ignite protest by bringing in seperate charges or by opening the market to private firms. Do people on benefits get their rates paid? In England there are no benefits for water charges.

I think the situation is appalling though - my area in London was regularly without water during very hot spells the past few years but coping when it is still freezing or if you have small children must be hell!

Eliza70 · 30/12/2010 16:54

Well there has been 10 years of "peace" following 30 years of "the troubles" but the NI Assembly has been sporadic in it's operation and I guess this wasn't a priority. Quite how long they think they can keep using "the troubles" as an excuse for crap government remains to be seen!!

wigglesrock · 30/12/2010 21:14

My water came on last night, was on this morning, went off at about midday and according to NI Water should be on at 10pm this evening!! I rang them, asking exactly what use that would be, were they suggesting I wake my dds to have a bath, yes I was being sarky although quite polite Smile

Our problem is not burst pipes but the low level of reservoir and the rotation of supply. We're getting on okay but my next door neighbour is up to high doe, worried about making up formula for baby etc.

lal123 · 30/12/2010 21:23

My Mum's water was off for a day - so not too bad considering what other folk have had to put up with.

I agree with haggis - I live in Scotland and pay much much more for water than my Northern Ireland relatives do. But it's not just that NIrish pay less - the lifestyle there is so different - with planning allowing many more rural homes, so many more service pipes off the main supply, so more pipes to burst. Also I think that the pipes there are closer to the surface than here in Scotland (might be wrong though!) - so freeze more easily.

Wiggles - but surely the reservoirs are low because of all the burst pipes??

FaffTastic · 30/12/2010 23:41

Mine has been on and off over the last few days. Not on at all today. Feel like a scummy mare without a shower.

Fingers crossed its back on tomorrow

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