During Christmas and New Year around 40,000 people across Northern Ireland were left without water supplies in one of the worst water crises to hit the region.

The Consumer Council today (February 8) made four recommendations calling on the company to improve its planning, communication, response time and customer care register.

The council also believes there must be the development, implementation and rigorous testing of a co-ordinated region-wide plan and response for severe weather and other emergency situations.

The watchdog’s independent report which can be found here highlight’s the misery suffered by so many people during the festive season.

Consumer Council chief executive, Antoinette McKeown, said: “NI Water’s failings were on a monumental scale throughout Christmas and the New Year – many consumers lost a precious holiday with family and friends.

“NI Water failed to plan for and manage a major incident and this became a crisis. More recent incidents have demonstrated there is much still to learn.

“There is an urgent need for NI Water – and all those with a role in providing a quality water service – to step up and play a stronger role in rebuilding consumer confidence and provide a service consumers deserve.”

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe