How To Object
A Reflection on Northern Ireland’s Sewage Infrastructure Crisis
The recent announcement by NI Water to indefinitely defer eight major sewage projects, including critical upgrades to wastewater treatment works (WwTWs) in Belfast, Whitehouse, Kinnegar, and Sydenham, has sent shockwaves through our communities. These projects, collectively valued at £627 million, were poised to prevent untreated sewage from entering Belfast Lough during rainfall and to support the development of much-needed housing. The decision to halt these initiatives underscores a growing sewage infrastructure crisis in Northern Ireland.
Drumbeg WwTW: A Microcosm of the Crisis
Closer to home, our Drumbeg Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) exemplifies the systemic issues plaguing our sewage infrastructure. Despite its critical role in serving the Lisburn area, the facility has been beset by challenges, including the discharge of unscreened flows into the River Lagan. The existing pumping station, commissioned in the early 1970s, operates with outdated equipment, leading to frequent blockages and surcharges in the upstream sewerage network.
The Wider Implications
The deferral of the Living With Water Programme, which sought to invest £1.9 billion from 2023 to 2033 to protect Belfast against flooding, improve water quality, and increase sewage capacity, exacerbates the existing at capacity challenges. NI Water’s constrained capital funding, as directed by the Department for Infrastructure, presents a significant shortfall compared to the investment levels determined by the Utility Regulator for 2021-2027.
This funding gap not only hampers efforts to modernize our sewage infrastructure but also poses serious risks to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The lack of capacity in wastewater systems has already led to restrictions on new developments, with NI Water identifying increasing capacity issues in parts of the Lisburn, Moneyreagh, Annahilt, Dromara, Dunmurry, Ravernet, Glenavy, Newtownbreda, Maghaberry, and Kinnegar wastewater networks.
Call to Action
The situation at Drumbeg WwTW and the recent deferrals of critical projects highlight an urgent need for systemic change:
- Increased Investment: Adequate funding must be allocated to upgrade and maintain wastewater infrastructure to meet current and future demands.
- Transparency and Accountability: NI Water and relevant authorities should provide clear timelines and updates on infrastructure projects to keep the public informed.
- Environmental Protection: Prioritize projects that prevent pollution of our natural water bodies, safeguarding public health and biodiversity.
As a community, we must advocate for these changes to ensure that our wastewater infrastructure is robust, efficient, and capable of supporting both our population and the environment.
For more detailed information on the challenges facing Drumbeg WwTW and Northern Ireland’s sewage infrastructure, please refer to the following sources:
Wastewater System Capacity Information – Northern Ireland Water
NI Water’s Decision to Scrap Major Sewage Projects
