Northern Ireland Water
The Water Service is a water company that operates in Northern Ireland. It is an 'Executive Agency' within Northern Ireland's Department for Regional Development.
History
Prior to 1973 water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland outside Belfast were the responsibility of local councils. Within the capital the Belfast Water Commissioners were responsible. The Water Commissioners' building in the City Centre is a landmark, currently occupied by retailer Marks and Spencer.
In 1973 responsibility for providing services was handed over to the newly-formed Water Executive. This was a department within the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland).
The Water Service in its current form has existed since 1996 when the former Water Executive became an executive agency.
Privitisation
The Water Service is the only United Kingdom water company not to have been privatised, although it became a Government Company, or 'GoCo', on April 1 2006.
The annoucement was made by Minister of State John Spellar in August 2004 to much public criticism. The main reason for this is the introduction of water charges for domestic consumers. A widespread public campaign to stop the introduction of the charges has ensued, with the organisers claiming that Northern Ireland's water services are already being paid for through the rates system. The government has countered with the assertation that Northern Ireland pays less per person in rates than people in England, Scotland and Wales do for their combined council tax and water charges. The extra investment is also needed to upgrade Northern Ireland's water infrastructure, particularly its mainly Victorian era sewers.
The changes have also resulted in the loss of Civil Servant status for Water Service employees and a number of job losses.
In 2005 the Water Service had an annual budget of £302 million and fixed assets of £4.9 billion. The current Chief Executive is Katherine Bryan, formerly chair of various committees in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Major reservoirs and treatment works
- Silent Valley
- Lough Neagh
- Ben Crom Reservoir
- Spelga Dam and Reservoir
- Dunore Point
External links
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