NI Water has appealed to the public to stop the unauthorised use of its hydrants to access the watermains network.

The water authority said it is essential it has controlled access in order to maintain the safety, reliability and quality of water delivered to customers.

In order to combat unauthorised third party use of its network, NI Water has made available a corporate standpipe that must be used to connect to a hydrant when drawing water directly from the mains.

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The use of this single corporate standpipe, by those authorised to use the system, will allow for easier identification of illegal use of the watermains network.

Liam Mulholland, Acting Director of Customer Services, said: "Widespread abuse of NI Water's network is happening on a daily basis and must be stopped.

"It is illegal to take water from NI Water's network without permission and without paying for it. Not only can this activity cause contamination, discolouration and jeopardise the quality and delivery of water, it can also result in damage to hydrants which are a vital tool for the NI Fire and Rescue Service.

"To gain permission to use the network, customers, with legitimate requirements, must obtain a license from NI Water to permit temporary access. A condition of this license is that NI Water's corporate standpipe, marked in our company colours of blue and white, must be used," he added.

(PR/JM)