Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA, has secured a commitment from his party colleague and Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy that no charge will be levied on people who draw water solely from a private borehole on their own land.

 Assemblyman Swann is a Past President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster and a Past Chairman of the influential Rural Youth Europe group.

 Mr Swann had asked Minister Kennedy if Northern Ireland Water intended to charge for water extracted from boreholes constructed by property owners on their own land.

 In his response Minister Kennedy wrote: “Private water supplies, such as boreholes, are monitored and regulated by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

 “Northern Ireland Water is responsible for the public (mains) water supply. It therefore does not levy a charge on customers who draw water solely from a borehole privately installed on their own land.

 “Charges are only levied in respect of the services provided by Northern Ireland Water. For example, if wastewater is disposed through a public sewer then Northern Ireland Water will levy sewerage charges.

 “However, if water is drawn from a borehole and the wastewater is disposed through a septic tank, no charges will be applied to Northern Ireland Water. There are no plans to change this situation,” said Minister Kennedy.

 Mr Swann added: “I welcome the Minister’s pledge for people with private water boreholes and especially his commitment to protect their rights by ensuring there are no changes to the present rules.

 “It would be particularly harsh, especially in these tough economic times, if people had to pay for the water they took from their own private boreholes.”