With May marking the one-year countdown to the ban on the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in Northern Ireland, NI Water is welcoming the move as an important step in protecting public sewers, waterways and the wider environment.

The new regulations, which form part of a wider UK effort to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution, were announced by DAERA on 18 November 2025 and are due to come into operation on 18 May 2027, following an 18-month transition period.

NI Water is encouraging the public to use the next 12 months to make the switch to plastic-free alternatives and to remember that only the three Ps – pee, poo and (toilet) paper – should be flushed down the toilet. 

Wet wipes are a major contributor to sewer blockages. When flushed they combine with fats, oils and grease which form fatbergs that result in out-of-sewer flooding, unnecessary pressure on wastewater infrastructure and pollution incidents across our waterways.

Angela Halpenny, Head of Environmental Regulations at NI Water, said: “With one year to go until the plastic wet wipes ban takes effect, and as part of our work to reduce plastic pollution, NI Water is urging everyone to check product labels, choose plastic-free options where possible and help protect the public wastewater network and environment by never flushing wipes. By making small changes like these you are helping to cut the amount of plastic directly entering the environment and preventing sewer blockages.”

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