NI Water publishes Strategic Plan for Resilient Water Supply
On 8 April 2025, NI Water published its latest Water Resource and Supply Resilience Plan (WR&SRP), unveiling a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring a sustainable and resilient water supply for the future.
This plan is not just a statutory requirement but a cornerstone of NI Water’s long-term planning process, reflecting the company’s commitment to managing and developing water resources effectively.
The WR&SRP is crucial for Northern Ireland’s infrastructure, addressing the growing demands of population, housing, and water usage while factoring in predicted climate changes. The plan outlines how NI Water, with the proper investment, will maintain water supplies during critical periods such as severe winters and droughts, ensuring that the region’s water needs are met even in challenging conditions.
One of the significant improvements in the latest WR&SRP is the extension of the planning horizon from 25 to 50 years. This longer-term perspective allows for a better understanding of future challenges, particularly those related to climate change. By anticipating and preparing for these challenges, NI Water aims to enhance the resilience of its water supply systems.
Gary Curran, Director of Engineering and Sustainability at NI Water, said: “The publication of the WR&SRP has been the culmination of three years of work, not only by the Asset Strategy Team within NI Water, but a collaborative effort with our key stakeholders who have all contributed to the content of the Plan. It will form the basis for the management and development of our water resources to make sure, with the appropriate funding, there is enough water to meet future supply needs, as we strive to deliver maximum results within the budget allocation provided.
“We very much welcome the renewed emphasis on preparing for the impact of climate change. We are already seeing the impacts of wetter winters and dryer summers on our key asset base and how consumer behaviours can impact on our ability to supply water. This is particularly the case during short bursts of very warm weather. Our treatment works can struggle to cope with a surge in demand, so we are aware there is also an education piece around how our customers use their water during these periods.
“It is not about the quantity of water available, rather the ability to treat it and supply it to the volumes required. With greater awareness of the sheer volume of water used in power washers, sprinklers and other household items that are growing in popularity, we can help conserve water during these periods.
“This Plan is a collective piece of work and one that we want all our customers to take ownership of so we can all be guardians of our most precious resource – water.”
A public consultation process informed the development of the WR&SRP, and the outputs have been further influenced based on feedback from stakeholders, ensuring that it reflects the needs and concerns of the community. The plan’s focus on resilience to more frequent and extreme weather events is a testament to NI Water’s proactive approach to infrastructure planning.
In addition to the WR&SRP, NI Water is involved in various projects aimed at improving water quality and sustainability, such as the peatland restoration project in partnership with RSPB NI, funded by the DAERA Peatland Challenge Fund. This project aims to enhance raw water quality through environmentally sustainable practices, demonstrating NI Water’s commitment to protecting natural habitats and ensuring clean drinking water. This is one of several initiatives that promote sustainable water management. These projects also include efforts to reduce water wastage, improve water treatment processes, and implement innovative technologies that enhance water quality and efficiency. By continuously seeking ways to improve its operations, Northern Ireland can set a benchmark for sustainable water management practices which others may follow.
As NI Water continues to innovate and adapt to changing conditions, the Plan serves as a blueprint for the company’s continuing efforts to secure a reliable water supply for Northern Ireland.
In conclusion, the Water Resource and Supply Resilience Plan is a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring a sustainable and resilient water supply for the future. With a focus on long-term planning, community involvement, and sustainability, NI Water will continue to be an enabler for the economy and protector of the environment and with this Plan is poised to lead the way in proactive water management. With the appropriate continued investment, the WR&SRP serves as a pathway to enable a secure, reliable water supply for Northern Ireland, ensuring that the region’s infrastructure can withstand the challenges into the future. Through these identified projects and commitment to sustainability, NI Water can help set the benchmark for Northern Ireland in water management practices, ensuring that the regions water resources are protected for generations to come.
The latest Water Resource and Supply Resilience Plan is complete following public consultation. It is now available at: www.niwater.com/managing-northern-irelands-water-resources/
