Downpatrick one of worst towns for blocked sewers

Downpatrick one of worst towns for blocked sewers

16 April 2025

DOWNPATRICK has been revealed as one of the worst towns in Northern Ireland when it comes to blocked sewers.

New figures published by NI Water for the number of reported blockages across the province last year reveal there were 332 in Downpatrick.

Only Derry, Craigavon and Enniskillen reported more blockages than the county town.

And with Easter just days away, NI Water is hopping to ‘flush out’ the worst offending towns for sewer blockages and encourage residents and business owners to get their house in order and stop using sewers as a bin.

NI Water identified County Down having 2,144 blockages out of a province-wide total of 11,019 last year.

The figures reveal 328 reported sewer blockages in Newtownards and 233 in Newry.

Across the province, a total of 11,019 blockages were reported, with the most common items blocking all pipes including wipes and sanitary items as well as fats, oils and grease. 

Angela Halpenny, head of NI Water’s Environmental Regulation, said the organisation is “fighting a daily battle” with blocked sewers. 

“This often increases in frequency over holiday periods when people are spending more time at home or may be cooking up traditional roasts and enjoying home baking,” she said.

“As Easter approaches, we are ‘flushing’ out the worst offenders in a bid to reduce blockages.  If your town is on the list, check are your flushing habits adding to the problem.”

The NI Water official said many will have seen the “disgusting effects” of an overflowing manhole in the street or worse, an overflowing toilet in a home. 

“We hope that our customers get behind us and start adopting better ‘bin it’ habits,” Angela continued.

“It is well publicised that out of sewer flooding can cause pollution in our watercourses and seriously damage the environment.”

The NI Water official said it is “very frustrating” that many of these incidents could be prevented if everyone all worked together to stop using our sewers as a bin. 

Angela added: “No amount of investment in our sewer system will stop blocked pipes if people continue to flush wipes, including the flushable variety, sanitary items and fats, oils and grease down the toilet or sink. 

“Legally it is an offence for property owners to inappropriately flush such items.”

NI Water says all wipes from baby, personal cleansing, toilet and household cleaning, even if the pack says ‘flushable,” should not be disposed of down the toilet.

In addition, sanitary towels, tampons, liners, applicators and backing strips, cotton wool, disposable nappies and nappy liners should be placed in a bin.

NI Water says condoms, incontinence pads, colostomy bags, used bandages and contact lenses are other items which should not be flushed away.