Think Before You Pour: Enniscrone residents and businesses urged to help prevent wastewater blockages

Uisce Éireann is appealing to residents and businesses in Enniscrone to correctly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOGs) and trade effluent, and to be aware of the impact that improper disposal can have on public wastewater networks, treatment plants and the local environment.

Trade effluent is any liquid waste (other than domestic wastewater and storm water) that is discharged from a business premises to the public sewer. The improper disposal of large quantities of trade effluent puts significant pressure on Uisce Éireann's infrastructure, leading to operational issues with wastewater networks and wastewater treatment plants.

Large quantities of untreated trade effluent can ultimately make their way into receiving waters and have a significant impact on the local environment.

Speaking about the issue, Uisce Éireann's Wastewater Network Operations Manager for Co Sligo, Padraig Philbin, said: "Uisce Éireann is committed to safeguarding the local environment and returning wastewater safely to the environment. In Enniscrone, as in communities across the country, we carefully assess and regulate all discharges to our wastewater network to ensure public health, our operations and the environment are fully protected.

"As a vibrant coastal town and popular visitor destination, Enniscrone experiences increased activity during peak tourism periods. It is important that businesses and residents alike are aware of the impact that fats, oils, grease and trade effluent can have if disposed of incorrectly.

"The recent spell of warm, dry weather has also increased the importance of proper disposal practices. Reduced rainfall results in lower flows within wastewater networks, meaning there is less natural flushing of the system. As a result, fats, oils, grease and other inappropriate discharges can accumulate more readily in pipes, increasing the risk of blockages and operational issues and placing additional pressure on wastewater infrastructure.

"We are asking everyone, particularly businesses operating in the hospitality and food sectors, to ensure that fats, oils, grease and trade effluent are disposed of correctly. By working together, we can help protect local wastewater services, support the environment and maintain the high standard of infrastructure that communities such as Enniscrone rely on."

Uisce Éireann is also reminding residents and businesses that wipes should never be flushed down the toilet. Wipes do not break down in the same way as toilet paper and can build up in the wastewater network, causing blockages, damaging equipment and increasing the risk of sewer overflows. When combined with fats, oils and grease, wipes can contribute to the formation of large blockages, known as fatbergs, which can wreak havoc on wastewater networks and treatment plants.

Uisce Éireann continues to invest in wastewater infrastructure across the country to support communities, protect the environment and ensure reliable wastewater services. However, it remains important that businesses and the wider public play their part by disposing of fats, oils, grease and trade effluent responsibly.

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed about their water and wastewater services across multiple platforms 24/7 and encourages customers to engage on X @IWCare, on Facebook and LinkedIn, or through its customer care helpline, which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.