NI Water’s Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) team has been working to identify the source of ongoing high volumes of blockages and out of sewer flooding in the Limavady area.
They are appealing to traders in the area, specifically food outlets, to review their kitchen food and liquid disposal methods.
During their investigations, the team uncovered a seemingly harmless action of a business washing out kitchen equipment in the wrong sink, which was causing mayhem in the sewer network. The business in question has been given the appropriate warning and timeframe to change their system of working.
It is not only traders however, but residents who can also play their part. The most common items blocking all pipes last year included wipes and sanitary items, as well as FOG and we are appealing to households to adopt better flushing habits.
NI Water’s Customer Field Manager Kyle Dawson said: “NI Water fights a daily battle with blocked sewers. Out of sewer flooding can cause pollution in our watercourses and seriously damage the environment. It is very frustrating that many of these incidents could be prevented if we all worked together to stop using our sewers as a bin. We are sure if people knew the impact of their actions, they would be horrified. No one wants to be the cause of polluting a river or have sewage on their streets.
“No amount of investment in our sewer system will prevent blocked pipes if people continue to flush wipes (including flushable), sanitary items and fats, oils and grease down the toilet or sink. Legally it is an offence for property owners to inappropriately flush such items.
“NI Water spends millions of pounds every year clearing blockages. For a business, blocking their own drains will result in extra costs in cleaning them up.
“NI Water’s dedicated team can advise further on disposal of FOG and have visited businesses in the area.
“I would like to thank the local community in advance for their support with this important message and encourage customers to visit niwater.com for further advice.”
Further information on NI Water’s campaign is available online at www.niwater.com/bag-it-and-bin-it/
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Check out the bathroom checklist of ‘never flush’ items below:
- all wipes (baby, personal cleansing, toilet and household cleaning) - even if the pack says ‘flushable’
- sanitary items (sanitary towels, tampons, liners, applicators and backing strips)
- cotton wool, disposable nappies and nappy liners
- condoms, incontinence pads, colostomy bags, used bandages and contact lenses
Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com
