NI Water has set a challenge for primary school pupils to use their strongest weapon – their imagination, to battle the stinky-est of monsters lurking below in the giant secret sewer underworld. 

The challenge from NI Water is to be the bravest of sewer heroes by helping to expose all the unwanted fatbergs and wet wipe monsters lurking under our schools, streets and feet. These monsters feed off the inappropriate items people flush down their toilets and sinks. School children can become expert sewer monster hunters by grabbing their sharpest crayons and using their funniest ideas for their art competition to flush out the baddies!

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils can choose from one of NI Water’s Wipezilla colouring sheets to complete their competition entry.

Meanwhile, Key Stage 2 pupils are invited to hand draw an A3 sized ‘WANTED’ poster, showing their very own sewer monster, telling people who they are, how they were formed and how everyone can prevent them causing mayhem in our sewage system. 

Entries should reach NI Water by 5pm on Friday 1st May 2026. The NI Water judging panel will then select the standout entries that demonstrate imagination and enthusiasm. Prizes will be presented for each primary school year group alongside a Special Needs Schools category at an awards ceremony on Friday 12th June 2026. 

NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen said: “Wet wipes and greasy leftovers are turning our sewers into the smelliest monster hotels in all of Northern Ireland. Fatbergs and Wet Wipe Monsters are lurking, congealing, and growing as fast as your holiday homework pile! One minute it’s a single wipe, next minute it’s a full-on monster party, causing blockages and making our pipes grumble louder than your tummy before lunch.”

Anna continued: “When fatbergs and wet wipe monsters clog our sewers, homes and schools are hit with floods of filthy water and the smell is completely unmistakable. Whenever these monsters appear, NI Water’s bravest workers have to suit up like superheroes, armed with high-powered hoses and mega-suction gear, to battle the beasts and keep monster mayhem from overrunning our towns.”

How You Can Help - Some Sewer Monster-Busting Tips from NI Water:

• Flush only the 3Ps: Pee, Poo, and Paper. Monster food is strictly off-limits!
• Wet wipes, cotton buds, and nappies belong in the bin, not in your monster’s lunchbox.
• Pour leftover fats and grease into a container, not down the sink (Fatbergs hate starving).
• Tell your family how to keep monsters out - extra points for silly monster voices.

Anna concludes: “Are you brave enough to become a Sewer Superhero and defeat the monsters? Grab your silliest pens, brightest colours, and your wildest imagination to help clean up our underground world. For entry details, ask your teacher or visit the NI Water website. And let’s keep fatbergs and wet wipe monsters away for good!”

Further information about the NI Water ‘What Lies Beneath’ schools art competition is available online via www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/resources-for-schools or contact NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen on email education@niwater.com

Ends 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com