As the UK enters the thawing period after our initial taste of the winter to come, pipes and boilers are failing due to the fact that they are not designed to be put under such harsh conditions as those seen so far this december.
If this is a glimpse of what lies in store for the uk in the months ahead, then we are going to be in serious trouble. Our infrastructure just isnt designed to cope with this. And its being reported that the cold will return on sunday.
Scotland is giving 160,000 litres of water to Northern Ireland to ease its drinking water crisis.
Large parts of Northern Ireland have been forced into water rationing as engineers battle to fix a huge number of leaks caused by a rise in temperatures.
Ten of thousands of families have been affected by the emergency, with First Minister Peter Robinson and the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness due to chair a special meeting of the executive in Belfast on Thursday.
Northern Ireland Water, the company at the centre of the crisis, has been heavily criticised for its response, which left many homes without water since before Christmas.
A statement by Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness said: "NI Water's response was clearly inadequate and we are now looking urgently at what further measures can be taken to alleviate the problems people are facing.
"All district councils have invoked their emergency response arrangements to make their leisure centres available to provide the public with showering facilities.
"They are also working with NI Water to identify suitable sites for water bowsers and water distribution. The majority of councils already have appropriate arrangements in place, with the remainder expected to do so by the end of business today.
"It is also important that we ensure that schools and business which are currently closed for the holidays are ready to open next week."
NIW said: "As a result of the high water demand being experienced, a number of our reservoirs are currently at low water levels and we are trying to rezone and recharge the water network."
There have been warnings that the water crisis could turn into a health emergency, as some households have gone without running water for more than eight days.
Dr Peter Maguire, a GP in Newry, said: "People with young families have not been able to flush toilets and wash themselves, never mind get access to drinking water.
"It's just not good enough. What's happening is really not acceptable."
Engineers in Scotland are also dealing with up to four times as many leaks as usual for this time of year.
:: Belfast residents can call 0800 707 6965 for information on where to get water and what other assistance the council can give.
If this is a glimpse of what lies in store for the uk in the months ahead, then we are going to be in serious trouble. Our infrastructure just isnt designed to cope with this. And its being reported that the cold will return on sunday.
Scotland is giving 160,000 litres of water to Northern Ireland to ease its drinking water crisis.
Large parts of Northern Ireland have been forced into water rationing as engineers battle to fix a huge number of leaks caused by a rise in temperatures.
Ten of thousands of families have been affected by the emergency, with First Minister Peter Robinson and the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness due to chair a special meeting of the executive in Belfast on Thursday.
Northern Ireland Water, the company at the centre of the crisis, has been heavily criticised for its response, which left many homes without water since before Christmas.
A statement by Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness said: "NI Water's response was clearly inadequate and we are now looking urgently at what further measures can be taken to alleviate the problems people are facing.
"All district councils have invoked their emergency response arrangements to make their leisure centres available to provide the public with showering facilities.
"They are also working with NI Water to identify suitable sites for water bowsers and water distribution. The majority of councils already have appropriate arrangements in place, with the remainder expected to do so by the end of business today.
"It is also important that we ensure that schools and business which are currently closed for the holidays are ready to open next week."
NIW said: "As a result of the high water demand being experienced, a number of our reservoirs are currently at low water levels and we are trying to rezone and recharge the water network."
There have been warnings that the water crisis could turn into a health emergency, as some households have gone without running water for more than eight days.
Dr Peter Maguire, a GP in Newry, said: "People with young families have not been able to flush toilets and wash themselves, never mind get access to drinking water.
"It's just not good enough. What's happening is really not acceptable."
Engineers in Scotland are also dealing with up to four times as many leaks as usual for this time of year.
:: Belfast residents can call 0800 707 6965 for information on where to get water and what other assistance the council can give.
Source: MrGlasgowtruther
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