NI Water has welcomed the upcoming ban on the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in Northern Ireland, describing the legislation as a vital measure for safeguarding the environment, public sewers, and local waterways.

The new regulations were officially announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on 18 November 2025. Following an 18-month transitional period, the ban is scheduled to come into full operation on 18 May 2027. The policy aligns with a broader UK-wide strategy to curb microplastic and plastic pollution.

With exactly 12 months remaining until the ban takes effect, NI Water is encouraging consumers to transition to plastic-free alternatives immediately. The utility company is also reiterating its core environmental message that only the "three Ps"—pee, poo, and toilet paper—should ever be flushed down the toilet. Plastic wet wipes are a primary cause of sewer blockages across the network. When flushed, they do not break down and instead bind with discarded fats, oils, and grease. This process creates solid masses known as "fatbergs", which cause out-of-sewer flooding, place immense strain on wastewater infrastructure, and trigger pollution incidents in local rivers and streams.

Angela Halpenny, Head of Environmental Regulations at NI Water, said: "With one year to go until the plastic wet wipes ban takes effect, and as part of our work to reduce plastic pollution, NI Water is urging everyone to check product labels, choose plastic-free options where possible and help protect the public wastewater network and environment by never flushing wipes. By making small changes like these you are helping to cut the amount of plastic directly entering the environment and preventing sewer blockages."