Watching our flushing habits

STRANDHILL has been chosen along with 14 other cities and towns as part of a campaign to highlight what should and shouldn’t be flushed.

Clean Coasts together with Irish Water have launched the third year of the Think Before You Flush campaign.

An estimated 4,600 sewer blockages across the country this year are due to inappropriate items being flushed down toilets say Irish Water.

Every day people flush thousands of items such as wet wipes, cotton bud sticks, nappies and cotton wool pads down the toilet instead of putting them in a bin.

Flushing these items can have a negative impact on internal plumbing in homes and businesses, the wastewater network and the marine environment.

Strandhill has been selected to become a Think Before You Flush community.

Clean Coasts together with Irish Water will be delivering educational workshops in schools, promoting the campaign at festivals and community events and working with businesses in the seaside village.

Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts Manager said: “Sewage related litter is one of the categories of waste we find on our beaches. However, its presence is preventable through some simple measures. Through this campaign we are working with Irish Water to change the nation’s flushing behaviour which will make a difference to our coastal environment.”

Siobhan Sheil, Irish Water said: “We are building new wastewater treatment plants, upgrading old plants and laying new sewers. It is also really important that people recognise the impact of what they flush so the network can function efficiently and effectively. Placing a bin in the bathroom and disposing of sanitary items safely and appropriately has a hugely positive impact on the network and the environment.Works have recently commenced on the existing Strandhill wastewater treatment plant which will increase the capacity of the existing plant from 1,500 population equivalent to 3,700.”