7 September 2001

WATER SERVICE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO USE WATER WISELY

Helping people to use water wisely is the key aim behind the Water Service stand at the Ideal Home Exhibition.

Details of a £13 million investment programme aimed at detecting and repairing leaks in the network were outlined at the Exhibition. The Water Service also launched new staff identity passes for staff designed to ease concerns over bogus callers.

Water Service, Chief Executive, Robert Martin, said the stand at the Ideal Home Exhibition provided them with the ideal opportunity to encourage people to use water wisely. It also allowed them to reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding the environment, through the promotion of water efficiency as well as taking practical steps to reduce leakage.

Mr Martin said: "Water is an invaluable resource which is all too often taken for granted. The process of taking raw water from reservoirs and turning it into a safe and drinkable product for our customers is very costly.

"Everyone has a responsibility to protect the environment by conserving water supplies and we are encouraging all our customers to play their part in reducing wastage by using water wisely.

"The Water Service itself is examining its own use of water and will continue to make the best use of water in all of its operations."

Concerns over bogus callers and the worry caused to Water Service customers has also been recognised by the organization. New staff identity pass were launched at the Exhibition, which include a photograph of the Water Service official. They will be issued in the Autumn of this year, and will enable the public to identify the holders as employees of Water Service.

The initiative was welcomed by Anne O’Reilly of the Northern Ireland Executive of Help the Aged.

She said "We believe that everyone should feel safe and secure in their own home. This new security pass is one practical step helping older people to deal with bogus callers.

"We particularly commend the action of the Water Service in launching this initiative. Our Careline Service may also be used to access help in this type of situation. The Careline Service is designed for anyone of any age who feels at risk or vulnerable, whatever the reason, and can provide help 24 hours a day 365 days a year"

A range of water saving tips is on display and leaflets and water saving Hippo devices are available at the Water Service stand.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Photographs of the stand and a Help the Aged official are available on request. They can be e-mailed or sent through the post.

For further information contact Clare Baxter on 028 905 40068.