NI Water welcomes older residents to Belfast heritage centre for Positive Ageing Month
NI Water has welcomed older residents to its Belfast Wastewater Heritage Centre as part of Positive Ageing Month 2026, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s wastewater system and highlighting support available to customers ahead of winter.
The event gave participants an opportunity to learn about Belfast’s historic sewerage network, modern wastewater treatment and simple ways to protect the environment.
Led by NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen, the visit also highlighted practical assistance available to older people and customers who may need additional support during interruptions to their water supply.
Exploring Belfast’s Victorian sewerage history
Visitors to the Belfast Wastewater Heritage Centre were introduced to the city’s pioneering Victorian sewerage system and the developments that have transformed wastewater management over the years.
The session explored how wastewater is collected, treated and safely returned to the environment, providing an insight into the essential infrastructure that supports homes and businesses across Northern Ireland.
Participants also learned about the everyday actions that can help prevent blockages and protect the wastewater network.
NI Water encouraged residents to remember the three Ps when using toilets: pee, poo and paper.
The organisation also advised households to allow fats, oils and grease to cool before disposing of them in the bin, rather than pouring them down sinks.
These simple measures can help prevent blockages, protect the environment and reduce disruption to services.
Positive Ageing Month brings communities together
Positive Ageing Month takes place throughout October, with events and activities designed to celebrate older people and encourage social connection, learning and wellbeing.
NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen welcomed the opportunity to engage with visitors at the heritage centre.
“Positive Ageing Month is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, share useful information and celebrate the contribution older people make to our communities,” she said.
“We were delighted to welcome visitors to our Belfast Wastewater Heritage Centre and show them the work that goes on behind the scenes to treat wastewater and protect the environment.”
She added that the event provided an opportunity to explain the practical support available to customers, particularly with the colder winter months approaching.
NI Water highlights free support for older customers
As part of the visit, NI Water encouraged residents to consider joining its free Customer Care Register.
The service offers additional assistance to older customers and people with disabilities, health conditions, communication needs or other circumstances that may make them more vulnerable during service interruptions.
Support available through the register can include a password scheme, doorstep assistance, accessible information and communication through a nominated relative or carer.
Registered customers may also receive practical assistance during interruptions to their water supply, including priority bottled water where required, as well as a prioritised response to flooding.
Customers can apply through the NI Water website or contact Waterline on 03457 440088.
Free text alerts for water supply interruptions
NI Water also highlighted its free text alert service, which provides updates about planned maintenance and unexpected interruptions to water supplies.
Customers who register can receive notifications about disruption in their area, expected restoration times and confirmation when services have returned to normal.
The service is designed to help households prepare for interruptions and stay informed when problems arise.
With winter approaching, NI Water is encouraging customers who may need additional assistance to explore the support available and ensure their contact details are up to date.
The Belfast event formed part of the wider Positive Ageing Month programme, which continues throughout October with activities aimed at promoting healthier, more connected communities.
External links:
NI Water Customer Care Register
Belfast City Council Positive Ageing Month programme
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