NI Water Offers Advice To Local Farmers

Farmers across Northern Ireland have been issued a reminder on how best to save money on their next water bill.

Regional utility NI Water has advised farmers to check meters on a regular basis as spring approaches and the supplies to field troughs will be getting used again.

Gary Curran, NI Water's Head of Metering and Billing, said: "Over 60% of NI Water's non domestic customers are farms. Water is the single most important requirement for livestock. On a dairy farm, livestock drinking water may account for between 50% and 75% of the farm's water usage so it makes sense to look after it. The farming community can look after their water supply by checking out these tips."


NI Water's tips to farmers are as follows:

• Ensure that you have good understanding of the layout of pipework within your land and keep a map of the line of this pipework;

• Have a supply of the relevant fittings to repair any leakages;

• Know where your meters are located (NI Water will help you to do this) and check them on a regular basis. A higher reading may indicate a leak which should be located and repaired as quickly as possible to reduce your water bills.

• Inspect remote troughs which may not be used at this time of year, particularly the exposed pipe leading into the trough; if cattle are inside consider installing a stop valve for the trough (or field) so you turn off the supply. Consider draining troughs;

• Where practical ensure all underground pipes are buried 750 millimetres (2½ feet) below ground level.

• Fix dripping taps

• Know where your stop valves are located; NI Water can provide stop valve tags. You can request these by emailing waterline@niwater.com

• Another way of saving water around the farm is simply collecting or 'harvesting' rainwater. This could be as simple as having a water butt. Rainwater can be used as an alternative water supply, for example in washing vehicles, washing windows and watering plants.

(CM/JG)