Today is World Oceans Day and with one year to go until the plastic wet wipe ban comes into effect in Northern Ireland, NI Water is highlighting the important environmental measures households can take to help protect sewers, waterways and the ocean from plastic pollution.

Celebrated annually on 8 June, World Ocean Day shines a spotlight on the importance of protecting our oceans, recognising the value of the marine environment, and celebrating the wonder of water.

This year’s World Oceans Day theme, ‘Reimagine: Beyond the World We Know, a New Relationship with Our Ocean’ calls on all of us to think differently about how our daily actions affect the environment. For NI Water, that includes raising awareness of only flushing the three Ps – pee, poo and (toilet) paper – and reminding households to never flush wet wipes.

NI Water’s Head of Environmental Regulations Angela Halpenny said: “Wet wipes are a major contributor to sewer blockages. When flushed, they combine with fats, oils and grease to form fatbergs that can cause out-of-sewer flooding, place unnecessary pressure on wastewater infrastructure and increase the risk of pollution incidents across our waterways.

“By adopting better flushing habits and only flushing the three Ps – pee, poo and (toilet) paper – we can all help protect the environment; if wipes end up in a river or the sea this can have devastating effects on marine life and the wider environment. A better flushing habit is a single action that each and every one of us can implement today to help protect our beautiful environment for all to enjoy.”

 

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