How routine water checks can help avoid unnecessary expense

​UFU members often contact the Technical Team about issues with Northern Ireland Water bills, most commonly unexpectedly high charges. In many cases, farmers only become aware of a problem once a large bill arrives. By that stage, the water has already passed through the meter and in many circumstances, the charges will still be payable. However, a few simple checks carried out regularly can make a significant difference and help avoid unnecessary expense.

At this time of year, one of the easiest ways to reduce water waste and prevent leaks is to turn off the supply to sheds and buildings that are not in use over the summer months. Empty livestock houses that still have active water supplies can make it easy for leaks or overflowing drinkers to go unnoticed for long periods of time. A small leak left unnoticed for several months can waste thousands of litres of water and quickly add unnecessary costs to a farm business. During dry spells, also be vigilant for puddles that appear unexpectedly and do not clear, as these can indicate an underground leak.

Livestock drinkers in fields, are another common source of water loss. A leaking ballcock or faulty valve may not seem significant, but a constant drip soon adds up. Leaks can also reduce water pressure to other drinkers on the same line, potentially affecting the water supply available to livestock.

Farmers should try to make a habit of checking their water meter regularly, to ensure it is working correctly. Recording readings monthly can help identify unusual increases in consumption before a large bill arrives. A simple leak test can also be useful. If all known water outlets are turned off and the meter is still recording usage, there is likely to be a leak somewhere on the system.

It is important to remember that NI Water meters should never be turned off. Every farm should have its own stop valve installed after the meter, allowing the water supply to be isolated without interfering with the meter itself, as it is the property of NI Water. If NI Water when working on the roadside were ever to find a meter turned off, they would turn it on without informing anyone. If there were to be a faulty drinker or leak on the line, the farmer would then be liable for the water lost.

If a dispute arises regarding a bill or water usage, UFU members can contact their local technical officer for assistance. NI Water requires customers to complete a Third-Party Authorisation form, which is a straightforward process. The farmer requests the form from NI Water, completes and returns it, allowing UFU technical officer to communicate directly with NI Water on the member’s behalf.

Technical officers have successfully advocated for domestic leak allowances to be applied in certain circumstances, depending on the location of the leak. In other cases, where NI Water meters have temporarily failed to record consumption accurately, technical officers have gathered farm information, including livestock numbers and milk production figures, to challenge estimated usage calculations and establish a more realistic picture of farm water consumption.

As input costs continue to rise, water is another resource that farmers cannot afford to overlook. Spending a small amount of time carrying out routine checks could prevent a significant bill arriving through the letterbox months later. If you have queries on your water bill, contact your local technical officer by calling 02890 370 222.