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Northern Ireland hit by water shortage
Source: Agencies |
December 30, 2010, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
FEARS of disease mounted in Northern Ireland yesterday as tens of thousands of people were left without water after much of the supply drained away through broken pipes following a deep freeze and a sudden thaw.
In many towns and cities water -supplies were cut off as residents turned to emergency water tankers and bottled water for their cooking, cleaning and drinking needs.
Some families have not had fresh running water for eight days, with officials predicting that it will take several more days to restore normal service. Reservoir levels have dropped dangerously low, further straining the system.
"This may go on for another short period, but we are doing our best to keep it as short as possible to get those reservoir levels up and provide water," said Liam Mulholland, of Northern Ireland Water.
He said the shortage had been aggravated by the many vacant properties that have had burst pipes, which is allowing water to drain away until technicians can trace and repair the problem.
There was also severe flooding, with some floodwaters contaminated by sewage, raising health concerns.
"People with young families have not been able to flush toilets and wash themselves, never mind get access to drinking water," said Dr Peter Maguire, a general practictioner. "What's happening is really not acceptable."
Officials said yesterday that emergency crews are working around-the-clock to restore service and ease public concern that sewage-contaminated water could lead to an outbreak of disease.
Northern Ireland Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy is having crisis talks with officials to discuss ways to restore service.
Leisure and recreation centers have been opened to the public in many cities so people can use bathroom facilities and wash. Scotland is offering to make more bottled water supplies available.
In many towns and cities water -supplies were cut off as residents turned to emergency water tankers and bottled water for their cooking, cleaning and drinking needs.
Some families have not had fresh running water for eight days, with officials predicting that it will take several more days to restore normal service. Reservoir levels have dropped dangerously low, further straining the system.
"This may go on for another short period, but we are doing our best to keep it as short as possible to get those reservoir levels up and provide water," said Liam Mulholland, of Northern Ireland Water.
He said the shortage had been aggravated by the many vacant properties that have had burst pipes, which is allowing water to drain away until technicians can trace and repair the problem.
There was also severe flooding, with some floodwaters contaminated by sewage, raising health concerns.
"People with young families have not been able to flush toilets and wash themselves, never mind get access to drinking water," said Dr Peter Maguire, a general practictioner. "What's happening is really not acceptable."
Officials said yesterday that emergency crews are working around-the-clock to restore service and ease public concern that sewage-contaminated water could lead to an outbreak of disease.
Northern Ireland Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy is having crisis talks with officials to discuss ways to restore service.
Leisure and recreation centers have been opened to the public in many cities so people can use bathroom facilities and wash. Scotland is offering to make more bottled water supplies available.
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