NI Water welcomes the removal of SoRPI. However, this would need to be undertaken in a considered and appropriate manner, with a clear plan, a multi-year funding commitment, and a shared sense of responsibility across government, our regulator, and delivery partners.
A spokesperson for NI Water explained:
“SoRPI was implemented in 2007 as a temporary measure, recognising historic under‑investment in wastewater infrastructure and allowing continued sewer connections while upgrades were planned and delivered.
“NI Water agrees that SoRPI can be removed, provided that this is done alongside suitable, credible and funded alternative arrangements. Removing it without a clear transition framework risks constraining sustainable development and undermining environmental outcomes.
“SoRI’s removal should form part of a strategic, planned approach to wastewater infrastructure delivery, giving the certainty needed to support environmental improvement, unlock development and enable long-term investment.”
NI Water is ready to play its part; however, the Executive must act collectively, with urgency and purpose. The removal of SoRPI calls for a new joined-up approach, accountable, and focused on delivery.
Ends
Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com
Notes to editors
What Is SoRPI(Statement of Regulatory Principles and Intent?
SoRPI stands for ‘Statement of Regulatory Principles and Intent’. It was introduced in 2007 in Northern Ireland to assist the newly formed NI Water to manage historic underinvestment in the region’s wastewater infrastructure.
Historic Context for the Establishment of SORPI
In 2007, NI Water inherited assets that were outdated and unable to meet the environmental standards set by both UK and European regulations. Recognising that immediate compliance was unrealistic without significant capital investment, the Environmental Regulator (now Northern Ireland Environment Agency, NIEA), together with other government departments and regulators, established SoRPI as a temporary regulatory framework. Its purpose was to provide a clear, proportionate approach to environmental enforcement, focusing on management failures rather than penalising NI Water for inherited deficiencies.
SoRPI was set up to allow NI Water time to upgrade its infrastructure, with enforcement actions linked to progress on capital works and funding availability. This arrangement was intended to protect public health and the environment while enabling property development and economic growth, all under the expectation that sufficient investment would eventually close the gap in wastewater standards.
What is the current position with SoRPI?
In April 2025, NIEA opened consultation with NI Water regarding their intention to withdraw from SoRPI. A response to this consultation was made in July 2025 and highlighted the interconnected impacts on housing development, economic growth and environmental compliance in NI. NI Water plans to continue engagement with NIEA on the review of SoRPI and broader wastewater strategy.
While NI Water supports the long-term goal of moving beyond SoRPI, it strongly believes that any withdrawal must be phased and explicitly tied to adequate and sustained funding as determined by the Utility Regulator.
