'Inappropriate items' in system

A spokeswoman said: "Since Monday, June 21, the pumping station has failed on three occasions.

"The first failure was due to blocked pumps caused by inappropriate material in the network system arriving at the pumping station. The second incident occurred on June 27 and was as a result of another pump blockage which caused a pump seal failure.

"The third incident reported on July 5 was due to power and communications failure caused by stormy weather."

She added: "On each occasion NIW staff responded quickly to stop the spill into the watercourse and to assist Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) officers with their investigation. No sewer related debris was allowed to enter the watercourse as the emergency overflow is screened.

“NIW staff are continuing to investigate the reasons for the station failure and will take appropriate steps to fully address the problems."

The spokeswoman appealed to the public for assistance in reducing blockages by not dropping inappropriate items in the toilet, drain or sewers.

She said: "Waste water pumping stations, treatment works and sewerage systems are not designed to deal with items such as cotton buds, nappies, sanitary items, wipes and condoms which often cause major blockages or end up in rivers, streams and on beaches.

“These inappropriate items are harmful to wildlife and costly for the sewerage system and the environment. Whilst NI Water has a responsibility for the sewerage system, everyone in Northern Ireland can help protect the beaches and environment. The advice is simple - Bag it and Bin it, don’t flush it.”