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Appeal as ice hits water supply Big freeze hits water supply
(30 minutes later)
Northern Ireland Water is asking business people in Strabane, Omagh and Enniskillen to check their properties for burst pipes or leaks this morning. Northern Ireland Water has said it has taken 4,000 calls in the last 24 hours as freezing weather causes disruption to the water supply.
Sub-zero temperatures have led to burst pipes in both the watermain network and in customers' homes, the company said. The company said it had extra staff working to take calls from people affected by burst pipes and was coping well with the situation.
The water supply across Northern Ireland has been disrupted. Sub-zero temperatures have led to problems in the watermain network and in customers' homes, the company added.
Bushmills and Portballintrae on the north coast are among the areas affected. NI Water says it has received 4000 calls in the last 24 hours. Some householders have reported being without water for up to 36 hours.
The company appealed to key holders to check vacant properties or isolated buildings. Northern Ireland Water has also asked businesses in Strabane, Omagh and Enniskillen to check their properties for burst pipes or leaks this morning.
It said homeowners are responsible for the pipe work within their own property. It said homeowners were responsible for the pipe work within their own property.
The water supply has been cut off to many householders on the north coast of Northern Ireland. A spokesperson said the company was experiencing "an increase in the number of burst water mains and increased flows from a number of service reservoirs across the province".
NI Water also requested that customers check any vacant or isolated properties for leaks. He urged customers not to run taps in the mistaken belief that it prevents freezing.
A spokesperson said it was experiencing "an increase in the number of burst water mains and increased flows from a number of service reservoirs across the province".
"High outlet flows are often an indicator of burst water mains in the downstream network," he added.
"This is partly due to bursts within the water distribution network, but also because some customers are running taps in the belief that this will prevent freezing. NI Water would urge customers not to run taps unnecessarily."
East Londonderry MLA Gregory Campbell said NI Water needed to ensure they had sufficient staff to take calls from the public.East Londonderry MLA Gregory Campbell said NI Water needed to ensure they had sufficient staff to take calls from the public.
He said that one of his constituents had been without water for 36 hours and had not been able to find out when it would be restored.He said that one of his constituents had been without water for 36 hours and had not been able to find out when it would be restored.
NI Water said it had extra staff working and was coping with the situation. NI Water has asked anyone who notices burst water mains or "runs of water" to contact the company on 08457 440088.
It has asked anyone who notices burst water mains or "runs of water" to contact the company on 08457 440088.