With one of the driest springs on record and little rain in recent months, Ballinderry Rivers Trust, a freshwater conservation charity based in Northern Ireland, is encouraging farmers, residents and businesses in the Ballinderry River catchment and wider Mid-Ulster area to use water responsibly.
The Trust has said that while we may not yet be facing a full drought, extended dry spells are becoming more frequent, putting pressure on both water supplies and the rivers and streams that run through communities.
Education and outreach officer at Ballinderry Rivers Trust, Jillian Johnston said: “Our rivers are the lifeblood of this landscape.
“They provide clean drinking water, support wildlife, help prevent flooding, and bring life to towns, farms and nature.
“But low rainfall and rising demand mean they’re under growing strain.”
Water
Recent dry weather has already led to lower river levels in the Ballinderry River and rivers across Northern Ireland.
This is impacting water quality and making life harder for fish, aquatic insects, and birds, according to the Trust.
Warm temperatures and reduced flow mean there is less oxygen in the water and less capacity to dilute pollutants — leading to increased risks of algae blooms, fish kills and localised pollution incidents, it added.
Smaller streams can even dry up completely.
Ballinderry Rivers Trust has stressed that the science is clear in terms of climate change bringing warmer, drier summers to Northern Ireland.
As rainfall becomes less predictable and population growth puts more pressure on water supplies, every household, farm and business is being urged to rethink its relationship with water.
“This isn’t about panic or restriction – it’s about protection and preparation,” Johnston added.
“We all have a role to play in making sure water is used wisely, so that our rivers stay healthy and resilient in the years ahead.
“We are asking everyone to remember that every drop counts and every action matters.”
Ballinderry Rivers Trust, and the umbrella body for rivers trusts across the UK and Ireland, The Rivers Trust, is also calling for smarter planning, better investment in infrastructure, and support for all rivers and the mainstreaming of nature-based solutions that protect water at its source.
It is seeking this support for areas of wetlands, uplands, and the healthy soils of well-managed farms.
Five simple ways farmers, landowners and residents can help today:
- Fix dripping taps and leaking pipes – even a small leak can waste thousands of litres a year;
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth – a running tap uses up to 6L per minute;
- Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads – save water and energy;
- Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe – hoses use up to 1,000L an hour;
- Collect rainwater for garden use – it is better for your plants and our rivers.
