By Iveren McCallion
A huge 'fatberg' has been cleared at Buttercrane Quay.
It took NI Water five hours to remove the build-up of solid fat, oil and grease (FOG) from a manhole.
A spokesperson said the blockage could have led to sewer flooding.
To prevent that, NI Water's encouraging businesses to dispose of greasy waste at oil banks.
Wastewater Area Manager for the area, Jim McElrath explained, "FOG in its liquid form may not look harmful, but it becomes a major problem once in our drains. Even when hot water or soap is poured down the sink – the fat, oil and grease will still harden. Detergents and bleach may also appear to work, but this is only temporary. Each year, NI Water spends valuable resources fixing avoidable problems. "
In the last two years NI Water has spent more than £5 million clearing blockages from the sewer system.
Children in long-term workless households highest for more than a decade
Northern Ireland Secretary to return to Hillsborough for Drumcree talks
Tulip Festival Returns to Glenarm Castle with Northern Ireland’s First-Ever Squishmallows Experience
Business Beats Cancer Belfast Raises an Incredible £50,000 for Cancer Research UK
NI CHILDREN’S BOOKS SERIES THE WEATHERBIES LAUNCH ALL-IRELAND SCHOOLS COMPETITION