In other water news this month, Northern Ireland's water and sewerage framework is set to be modernised, following the publication of the Water and Sewerage Service (Northern Ireland) Order SI 2006/3336. The Order clears the way for the Government to transfer responsibility for the Province's water services from the Water Service to a Government owned company, Northern Ireland Water Ltd.
The provisions will also separate the water service provisions from the Department of Regional Development (DRD), an arrangement which has only resulted in long-term under investment in water and sewage infrastructure and widespread failure to meet EU standards. The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation will be the company's financial regulator and the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland will represent customers interests. For the first time, domestic customers will have to pay for water and sewerage services or could face being disconnected.
