This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8431662.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Big freeze hits water supply Big freeze hits water supply
(about 4 hours later)
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. Thousands of householders are experiencing difficulties with water supplies because of freezing conditions across Northern Ireland.
The company said it had extra staff working to take calls from people affected by burst pipes and was coping well with the situation. NI Water has taken 4,000 calls in the last 24 hours.
Sub-zero temperatures have led to problems in the watermain network and in customers' homes, the company added. The worst affected areas include Omagh, Ballymoney, Claudy, Dungannon, Dungiven and Limavady.
The company said extra staff were working to take calls from people who were affected by burst pipes because of the sub-zero temperatures.
There are problems in the water mains network as well as in customers' homes, the company said.
Some householders have reported being without water for up to 36 hours.Some householders have reported being without water for up to 36 hours.
Northern Ireland Water has also asked businesses in Strabane, Omagh and Enniskillen to check their properties for burst pipes or leaks this morning.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 were responsible for the pipe work within their own property. The company said home owners were responsible for the pipe work within their own property.
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".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".
He urged customers not to run taps in the mistaken belief that it prevents freezing.He urged customers not to run taps in the mistaken belief that it prevents freezing.
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 has asked anyone who notices burst water mains or "runs of water" to contact the company on 08457 440088.NI Water has asked anyone who notices burst water mains or "runs of water" to contact the company on 08457 440088.