Belfast’s Victorian sewage works was the venue for a fascinating peek into the past as NI Water opened the doors of its historic Wastewater Heritage Centre to visitors this month.
The events were part of Live Here Love Here's Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign, supported by Belfast Harbour, which celebrates the powerful connection between the health of our oceans and waterways and our own wellbeing.
NI Water’s education team escorted guests on a journey from the city's pioneering 19th century wastewater infrastructure through to the modern treatment processes that play a vital role in protecting Northern Ireland's waterways and marine environment.
The tours at NI Water's treatment works at Duncrue Industrial Estate, gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how used water is cleaned and safely returned to the water cycle, while highlighting the simple actions everyone can take to help protect the environment. Visitors learned about the importance of only flushing the three Ps: Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper, as well as the need to bin fats, oils and grease rather than pouring them down sinks, helping to prevent blockages in the sewer network.
Now in its sixth year, the Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign encourages people of all ages to get outside, enjoy Northern Ireland's blue spaces and discover how spending time by the water can benefit mental and physical health. Running throughout August, the programme features a wide range of activities, including educational events, water sports, wildlife experiences, mindfulness sessions and environmental initiatives.
NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen said: "We were delighted to take part in this year's Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds programme and welcome visitors to our Wastewater Heritage Centre.
"The Wastewater Heritage Centre provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore how Belfast's Victorian engineers helped transform public health, while also learning about the modern processes that continue to safeguard our waterways today.
“Our guests followed the journey that water takes from taps and toilets back into the natural water cycle and found out about the essential role wastewater treatment plays in protecting rivers, lakes and the sea. From exploring the city's original Victorian sewage treatment works to discovering the cutting-edge processes that protect our waterways today, our events offered a fascinating journey through more than a century of wastewater innovation.”
Groups or schools who would like to visit the Belfast Wastewater Heritage Centre can contact education@niwater.com
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