NI Water has acknowledged that it “misinterpreted the extent of its powers “ when it imposed a hosepipe ban in June and July of this year during exceptionally hot weather conditions.

The water company has issued a statement saying it acknowledged and accepted the clarification and advice given by the Attorney General.

NI Water’s CEO Sara Venning commented:

“The purpose and intent of the hosepipe ban was simple, to encourage customers to conserve water to ensure that everyone remained in supply.

“We welcome the Attorney General’s advice in this situation and have taken it on board. We wish to apologise to our customers for giving them the impression that they would be criminally sanctioned if they broke the hosepipe ban for example, by filling a paddling pool. That was never our intention and we worked hard in our communications during this period to seek the cooperation of the public.”

However, she added that NI Water was satisfied that it had a legal right to put a hosepipe ban in place, saying its legal team had first examined the legislation, which was “acknowledged by all to be outdated.” Following that, the water company decided to ban certain activities in and around the garden.

NI Water then conducted a review of its interpretation of the powers after the ban was lifted on July 19th.

Sara Venning continued:

“As a result, which included getting further legal opinion, we accept that our interpretation of Article 116 was too broad and had sought to ban certain activities that were not included such as washing paths, patios, walls and filling swimming pools.”

“NI Water stands by the decision to put the ban in place, as the ultimate penalty was that thousands of our customers would have faced supply interruptions.”

The water company is “now working in conjunction with the relevant authorities” to have the legislation changed to ensure it is appropriate for Northern Ireland’s needs.