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NI Water have given an update on their Brexit contingency plans. Remember this somewhat hair-raising story about difficulties in getting the necessary purification chemicals? standard.co.uk/news/politics/…
Anyway NI Water say they have '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.'
They are '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.'
My understanding is they have done a comprehensive analysis of their supply chain to understand where all the treatment chemicals ultimately come from and how they get to Northern Ireland - there are about 30 odd chemicals needed in water & wastewater treatment.
Most of the chemicals that NI Water use come from manufacturers in the UK and Ireland. Those that come from the mainland EU come into the UK via east coast ports rather than Dover (which will be the main logistics pinchpoint if things go sideways.)
So NI Water are confident they will still get what they need. But to further mitigate any risk they are stockpiling on-site and at suppliers warehouses - that will give them weeks/ months of necessary supply.
Their supply chain analysis has also looked at where they get spare parts for their plant and equipment - again mostly UK and Ireland, some from Germany. Those parts can be air-freighted if need be.
So bottom line - they are confident that you will still have clean drinking water after Brexit.
