Concern for 'huge water demand' amid high temperatures

NI Water have asked the public not to use sprinkler system as this can use two to five gallons of water per minute

NI Water are concerned that "high temperatures can create a huge demand surge" for water during the bank holiday weekend.

While reservoir levels are in a healthy position for this time of year, NI Water said that "multiple properties using vast quantities of water at the same time" can lead to a struggle to keep up with demand.

They are asking the public to take certain steps to reduce their water usage during the high temperatures.

Forecasters are predicting a heatwave this weekend, with temperatures possibly reaching over 25C (77F).

A nationwide appeal also has been issued by Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) to people in the Republic of Ireland to help protect the country's water supplies.

Forecasters are predicting a heatwave this weekend, with temperatures possibly reaching over 25C

Paul Bryce, Head of Water, NI Water, said: "By making small changes, we can all help reduce water use while staying cool.

"Our Water Treatment Works are designed to treat a finite volume of water and if thousands of households are all trying to use large quantities at the same time, the treatment works, and distribution system can begin to struggle to keep up with demand.

"You may be using more water intensive equipment, such as power hoses, sprinkler systems, large pools.

"Coupled with the fact that a lot of people will be enjoying the bank holiday weekend, it can lead to a massive demand for water that our treatment works simply cannot supply," Mr Bryce said.

What can the public do to save water?

NI Water have suggested the following water-saving measures:

• Leave DIY jobs for a few days, power hosing can use 1.5- 2.5 gallons (5.6l - 9.4l) per minute

• Avoid using a sprinkler system - this can use two to five gallons of water per minute

• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth - a running tap wastes up to 6 litres a minute

• Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the tap for cold water. Replace it every 24 hours

• Wash vegetables in a bowl - reuse the leftover water on your plants

• Run washing machines only when full - half loads use more than half the water and energy of a full cycle

• Fix leaking taps - one drip can waste more than 60 litres each week

• Use a watering can, not a hose - hoses consume more than 500 litres an hour, enough to fill 12 baths

RNLI lifeguards will be providing a daily patrol at a number of beaches

Meanwhile, ahead of the hot weather, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has urged families to enjoy themselves but to "put safety first".

RNLI lifeguards will be providing a daily patrol between 10:00 and 18:00 on beaches at Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West and Portrush East Strands, Whiterocks and Ballycastle on the Causeway Coast, and Tyrella, Murlough and Cranfield in County Down.

The RNLI is asking anyone planning a trip to the coast or inland waterways to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following this advice:

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks

• Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water - don't allow your family to swim alone

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, Float to Live

• In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.