Sectors affected by the regulations

Consumption Sectors

Northern Ireland Water (NIW) is responsible for supplying the public with clean drinkable water. To achieve this NIW uses 90% of all water abstracted in Northern Ireland.

As a result of the huge volumes of water involved these activities are subject to abstraction licences. The control measures required for the award of a licence will play an important factor in achieving, 'Good' ecological status for all water bodies in Northern Ireland.nd. Dairy farms, of which there are over 4,000, can be users of abstracted water. As agriculture is highly dependent on the seasons, spray irrigation occurs in the summer months, to ensure optimum crop growth.

Commercial and Industrial

Industry can be heavily reliant on water for their processes. This is very important within the textiles industry, (e.g. scouring, dyeing and wet finishing processes) which uses significant volumes of water often abstracted from lake or rivers. Over half of these industrial and commercial firms may need a licence under the regulations.

Agriculture

There are over 27,000 farms in Northern Ireland. Dairy farms, of which there are over 4,000, can be users of abstracted water. As agriculture is highly dependent on the seasons, spray irrigation occurs in the summer months, to ensure optimum crop growth.

Plant Nurseries

There are approximately 50 nurseries in Northern Ireland and many abstract water - the amount being determined by the size and operation of the nursery.

Food and Drink

Manufacturing of food and drink products use a considerable amount of water, often abstracted groundwater, for both cleaning and as a part of the final product. Licences help control and protect the groundwater sources.

Public Bodies

Some Public bodies are also be affected by the regulations. This includes Hospitals, health trusts, schools and local council premises.

Recreation Facilities

There are 30 recreational facilities and approximately 150 golf clubs in Northern Ireland, many of which abstract water. They, too, may need an abstraction licence.

Other Sectors

Fish Farms and Hatcheries

The majority of fish farms and hatcheries, in Northern Ireland, require over 100m3/d of (mainly) abstracted river water. These businesses too need an abstraction licence.

Hydro Power

Renewable energy is becoming more popular as the government strives to reduce carbon emissions and becomes less reliant on fossil fuels.
There are currently approximately 70 small hydroelectric sites in Northern Ireland using over 100m3/d of water. All of these schemes require abstraction licences.

Electricity companies

Northern Ireland Electricity's power plants are very reliant on the abstraction of water for cooling in the production process. Within Northern Ireland there are three power stations, which are located in Ballylumford, Kilroot and Coolkeeragh, each using large volumes of water that will require licensing.

Quarrying and mining

Many quarrying and mining companies in Northern Ireland use large amounts of abstracted water and may need a licence in many cases.

Other Industry

Other Northern Ireland industries that abstract over 10 cubic meters per day of surface, coastal or groundwater will be required to notify us. Abstractions of over 20 cubic meters per day will need licences.

Contact us;

Abstractions & Impoundments Licensing Team
NIEA Water Management Unit
17 Antrim Road
Lisburn
County Antrim
BT28 3AL

Tel: 028 9263 3482
Fax: 028 9267 6054

Email: AIL@doeni.gov.uk