NI Water and Step NI join forces to help Mid Ulster households save money
NI Water has partnered with community organisation Step NI to help households across Mid Ulster reduce their water and energy use, potentially easing pressure on household budgets.
The initiative forms part of the Mid Ulster Advice Plus Programme, which supports residents with financial wellbeing, benefits, debt and money management.
Through the partnership, NI Water has provided free shower timers to Step NI clients, encouraging households to make small changes that could help reduce the energy needed to heat water.
Free shower timers to help reduce energy costs
The partnership focuses on practical measures that residents can introduce into their daily routines without making significant changes to their lifestyles.
One of these measures is reducing the amount of time spent in the shower.
NI Water has supplied shower timers to Step NI clients to help them monitor their water use and encourage shorter showers.
Using less hot water can also reduce the amount of energy needed to heat it, potentially lowering household energy costs.
NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen said small changes could make a meaningful difference.
“Small, everyday actions can add up to meaningful savings. Using a shower timer is an easy way for households to become more aware of how much water and energy they use, without making major changes to their routine.”
She said NI Water was pleased to support Step NI’s work helping people manage household finances.
“By working together, we can help communities make informed choices that are good for their finances and for the environment.”
Step NI providing financial advice across Mid Ulster
Step NI is a rights-based community organisation providing advice and support to individuals and families.
Through the Mid Ulster Advice Plus Programme, the organisation helps residents access information and guidance on benefits, debt, budgeting, money management and other financial wellbeing matters.
The collaboration with NI Water complements this support by introducing practical ways to reduce water consumption and the energy required for heating.
The Mid Ulster Advice Plus Programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
The partnership aims to demonstrate how environmental awareness and financial wellbeing can work together to support households.
NI Water offers free water-saving resources
NI Water is also encouraging residents throughout Northern Ireland to use its free online Get Water Fit service.
The online tool allows households to assess their water use, take part in water-saving challenges and access practical advice about reducing consumption.
Free water-saving items available through the initiative include four-minute shower timers, tooth-brushing timers and water-retaining gel bags for gardens.
The organisation says these measures can help households use water more efficiently while also reducing the energy associated with heating it.
Community groups encouraged to get involved
NI Water is inviting schools, businesses, charities and community organisations interested in learning more about water conservation to arrange educational visits.
Its education team offers sessions designed to explain how water is used, why conservation matters and what practical steps individuals and organisations can take to reduce waste.
The partnership with Step NI highlights how local organisations can work together to provide accessible advice and resources that support both household finances and environmental sustainability.
External links:
Other news: NI Water welcomes older residents to Belfast heritage centre for Positive Ageing Month