NI Water is preparing to launch outfall construction work on its £18 million Ards North Wastewater Improvement Project.

Members of the team visited the Rosebank and Ballyferris Caravan Parks along the beach, hosting a friendly competition with local children taking part in a colouring challenge and safety lessons.

NI Water and its contractor Farrans hosted the event, giving everyone a goodie bag which included a refillable water bottle as well as lots of simple safety advice

The Ards North Wastewater Improvement Project represents an £18m investment by NI Water to upgrade the existing wastewater collection and treatment systems serving a large part of the Ards Peninsula to bring about social, economic and environmental benefits. Farrans Construction, alongside a specialist marine contractor will be installing the new outfall pipe.

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The extensive project involves the rationalisation of the Carrowdore, Ballywhiskin and Ballywalter catchments so that all wastewater flows from these areas are transferred to a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment works (WwTW) being constructed off the Ganaway Road in Ballywalter. In addition to these catchments, the new treatment works has been designed to treat wastewater flows from nearby caravan parks and small settlements.

The effluent from the WwTW will be treated to strict environmental standards and will flow to a new long sea outfall. To achieve excellent bathing water quality at local beaches, the outfall discharges 550m offshore where the treated effluent is dispersed and diluted in 4m depth of seawater. The new wastewater treatment infrastructure will support long-term economic growth in local development and tourism. Additionally, the investment will deliver environmental improvements, including cleaner beaches and bathing waters, which will benefit all those living, working or visiting this scenic part of the Ards Peninsula.