Hydrant Vandalism Criticised

Water enough for 2,000 homes is being lost in just one day through the vandalism of fire hydrants around Belfast, according to NI Water.

With the recent spate of sunny weather, many hydrants across the city are being vandalised and turned into impromptu water features which are wasting about three quarters of a million litres of water a day.

NI Water says its staff have been working through the night to close the hydrants but in many instances have been subjected to threats and abuse.

The Waterline number has received an increased number of calls over the last few days from residents who find themselves without water or affected by loss of water pressure due to the vandalism of hydrants.

NI Water says the cost to the taxpayer could run into thousands of pounds if the practice continues throughout the summer.

Darren Rock, Customer Field Manager, from NI Water said: "Opening fire hydrants is not only extremely dangerous for the people living in the area if a fire was to break out, but also a huge inconvenience to those whose water supply is affected as a result. The whole community is suffering because of the selfish actions of a few.

"Unfortunately, this activity is a particular problem in the Belfast area when there is good weather. On behalf of NI Water, I would appeal to everyone to consider who they are putting at risk; it could even be their own family and friends."

(IT)