NI Water is urging the public to change for good by only flushing the 3Ps - pee, poo and paper - and dispose correctly of fats, oils and grease (FOG).

By following some of these simple tips just like the yellow brick road, you can keep the water flowing to avoid any unfortunate wastewater spillages and ensure you won’t be unpopular on your street.

Regardless of what you may think, flushing wipes and anything other than the 3 Ps won’t defy gravity and will clog up your drains. This won’t go away with three simple clicks of your heels, it will require a lot of work from NI Water technicians who are already extremely busy.

NI Water’s Wastewater Customer Field Manager, Ciaran McNally said: “NI Water is constantly fighting a battle with blocked sewers. We see certain times of the year often lead to more blockages, such as school holidays when you may be at home enjoying some baking or cooking a little bit more. 

Ciaran continued: “We've all seen what happens when a manhole overflows on the street. Or worse, when a toilet overflows at home. That's why we're asking you to help out by putting things in the bin instead.

“It is widely recognised that out-of-sewer flooding can lead to pollution in watercourses and cause environmental harm. Many of these incidents are avoidable if collective efforts are made to prevent dumping of items which cannot be flushed into the sewer system. Blocked pipes will persist regardless of investments if items such as wipes, sanitary products, and fats, oils, and grease continue to be flushed down toilets or sinks. It is a legal offence for property owners to dispose of such items inappropriately.”

Further information on NI Water’s campaign is available online at www.niwater.com/bag-it-and-bin-it/

ENDS