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NI Water stockpiling purification chemicals in case of Brexit issues

Fears of a hard exit have sparked storage of a range of goods by the business community in Northern Ireland.

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Northern Ireland’s public water company is stockpiling purification chemicals ahead of Brexit.

Fears of a hard exit have sparked storage of a range of goods by the business community in Northern Ireland.

An NIW statement said: “The water industry as a whole, led by Water UK, has put in place a cross-sector programme to prepare for and manage any issues that do occur.

“The programme has built a highly-detailed understanding of chemicals transport routes and storage arrangements throughout the UK.

“This has allowed us to enhance our contingency plan to address the specific risks for Northern Ireland associated with Brexit.”

Extra checks at sea ports could cause delays following the divorce, freight carriers believe.

The EU could apply additional requirements on UK lorries if the country leaves without a deal.

The NI Water statement said its focus was on its customers.

The statement added: “Our priority is to provide clean, safe drinking water to everyone in Northern Ireland; at home, work, in schools, hospitals and businesses.

“NI Water, like all other utilities across the UK, is currently working with government and its supply chain to scenario plan for any potential risks associated with Brexit.

“The focus of our preparations is very much on taking actions to mitigate risks of an incident occurring.”

It said it had learnt and implemented lessons from previous incidents of dry weather, freezes and floods.

The statement said: “We have adapted these learnings to ensure we have a well-tested major incident response regime in place to respond to operational emergencies.

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NI Water said it had learnt and implemented lessons from previous incidents of dry weather, freezes and floods (John Stillwell/PA)

“Our emergency planning covers a range of measures including access to additional resources or request for mutual aid if required.

“We are, therefore, confident that these actions will allow us to identify any problems well in advance of any effects being felt.

“Our customers should feel reassured that we are prepared and arrangements are in place for minimising risk.”

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