As the New Year approaches, NI Water is calling on everyone to make a fresh start with a resolution to remember not to block drains and to keep sewers clear.
NI Water’s message is that everyone should remember to bag and bin fats, oils and greases (FOG) and only flush the 3 Ps – pee, poo and paper – to keep pipes slim and trim for the new year.
NI Water is offering lots of handy tips to avoid blocking your pipes with items which should be disposed of in the bin and not down the sink or toilet. Below are some examples:
- Fats, oils and grease (FOG)
- Sanitary waste - towels, tampons, applicators, panty liners, backing strips
- Disposable nappies, liners and baby wipes
- All wipes ie baby, bathroom, toilet and cleaning
- Incontinence pads
- Condoms and femidoms
- Colostomy bags
- Bandages and plasters
- Cotton buds, cotton wool
- Contact lenses
- Toothbrushes
- Place razors and razor blades in a rigid container in the bin
- Take syringes and needles to a needle bank
- Return medicines and contraceptives to your local pharmacy
- When the label says 'disposable', it does not always mean it can be flushed down the toilet
NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen commented: “When fats, oils, and grease cool down, they harden and can clog up the sewer network. This leads to raw sewage flooding gardens and homes, which can cause significant distress and disruption to you and your neighbours.
“Flushing things that shouldn’t be flushed, such as wipes or personal items, not only damages your own plumbing but can also block the wider sewer system. These items can harm the equipment designed to filter waste at our wastewater treatment works. When such items get past damaged screens, they can end up polluting rivers and beaches, creating health risks for both people and wildlife.”
For more information visit: https://www.niwater.com/bag-it-and-bin-it/
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Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com
