The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

Water Issues

The Consumer Council represents consumers on water and sewerage matters. We do this by working with the Northern Ireland Assembly, Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) and the economic and environmental regulators to make sure that consumers’ interests are kept at the centre their services and any decisions made about them. We also work with stakeholders to ensure NI Water delivers value for money in providing its services.

Be a Water Champion!

The Consumer Council, with the support of Invest NI and NI Water, has developed the ‘Water Champions’ awards. This award is aimed at helping businesses and farms improve water efficiency and save money on bills.

There are two categories - Water Champion and Water Champion Gold. Each successful entrant will receive a water champion certificate and award logo for their website; we will also be announcing winners to the local media.

We have produced a guide “Every Drop Counts” to help businesses and farms improve their water efficiency, get the best service and save money on their bills.

Water costs can be between 1 and 2 per cent of a company’s turnover. Savings between 30 and 50 per cent can be achieved by installing no cost or investing in low cost water reduction practices and technologies.

Who can take part?

Public and private organisations, farms and the self employed are welcome to enter. Entry is free and easy.

How can my business qualify for the Water Champion Award?

Review your business’s water use and look at ways you can save water and make sure your bills are correct. Contact us and tell us about how you saved water or money on your bills and we will provide you with your certificate and Water Champion logo for your website.

Below are some quick tips on being a Water Champion:

Keep regular meter reads and monitor your usage.
Check your bills and make sure they are up to date and accurate.
Speak to staff about implementing water efficiency measures. Consider appointing a member of staff to monitor water usage.
Check for leaks and ensure your pipes are well insulated against frost. Remember that any leakage from private pipes will be billed to you or your company.

How can my business qualify for the Water Champion Gold Award?

These certificates will go to businesses that have made significant savings on bills or water usage and have gone the extra mile. Suggested ‘Gold’ water efficiency practices are listed below:

· Use a water management plan or water balance.

· Upgrade equipment or installing water saving devices.

· Recycle water or the use of rainwater harvesting.

How do I enter?

Request or download a free copy of our “Every Drop Counts” leaflet and contact us to let us know what you have done. You can contact us through our helpline, by post, via our website or through our dedicated email waterchampions@consumercouncil.org.uk . We would like to hear about how much you have saved and any new ideas you have applied that might help other water users.

How will becoming a Water Champion benefit me or my business?

As well as saving money all entrants will receive a Water Champion certificate and the Consumer Council will notify local press about all winners.

My business is not metered can I still take part?

Even if you are not a metered customer you can still take part. By reducing your usage you are still making a contribution to the environment. You can also check your bills and make sure you are getting the correct allowances and make sure the unmetered charge you are paying is the right one for your business. See our page on ‘Charging’ for more information.

What happens with my business/farm or organsiations’ details?

We won’t pass your details on to any third party without your permission.

Can the Consumer Council offer advice on water efficiency practices in my business?

The Consumer Council can provide general advice on water efficiency for your business. If you need more detailed information contact us and we will point you in the right direction.