‘Flushed with Success’ as gates of Culmore Wastewater Treatment Works open to members of public

That was the story at NI Water’s Culmore Wastewater Treatment Works in Derry where gates were opened to members of the local community for an insightful tour.

Held as part of the company’s Decade of Delivery events, visitors saw first-hand how NI Water treats 330 million litres of wastewater every single day.

NI Water CEO Sara Venning reflects on the company’s progress: “April 2017 marks a decade of delivery for NI Water, and to acknowledge the role the company plays in Northern Ireland, the local community was invited to come and take a peek inside the water treatment works.’’

Davy McCullough, Head of Wastewater at NI Water comments on the activities of the day: “Representatives from the community were all given a tour of the works where they learned the history of the site and what it takes to operate it on a daily basis.

“With numerous Wastewater Treatment Works across Northern Ireland, it is not just as simple as flushing the toilet and it disappears, there is a very important and often complicated process in between to clean the water so it is of the highest quality going back out into the environment.

“Culmore Wastewater Treatment Works treats wastewater from the city and surrounding area. The plant serves an approximately 150,000 customers. Culmore has been used for wastewater treatment since 1979 and in 2004, work started on a major extension to provide full secondary treatment, with an associated sludge dewatering plant. This work was completed in 2006.”

Sara continues, “The services NI Water provides are at the very core of the economy, health and environment of Northern Ireland.  We are proud to share this with the community and show them how they also have a role to play in the work we do, by conserving water and respecting the environment.

“I would also like to thank the NI Water staff for their enthusiasm and commitment to the work that they do.  Our people are talented, dedicated, and at the heart of the communities they serve.

“After ten years operating as NI Water, it is a good time to reflect on the role the company plays in the community.   As a company we are guardians of the networks and assets, but each and every one of us uses the service.  Only together, as a company and a community, can we continue to safeguard the environment and protect our most valuable and precious asset – water.”