NI Water has launched a creative challenge for primary schools, asking pupils to imagine the creatures lurking in the underground sewer network and help raise awareness of what should not be flushed.

The 'Sewer Monsters' art competition encourages children to think about how fatbergs and wet wipes form and how to stop them.

The initiative calls on pupils to become 'sewer heroes' by exposing the problems caused by wrongly disposed items. Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils can enter by completing one of NI Water's Wipezilla colouring sheets. Key Stage 2 pupils are invited to hand-draw an A3 'WANTED' poster featuring their own sewer monster, explaining what it is, how it forms and how people can prevent it causing chaos in the system.

Entries must arrive with NI Water by 5pm on Friday 1 May 2026. A judging panel will select the most imaginative submissions, with prizes awarded for each primary school year group and a Special Needs Schools category at a ceremony on Friday 12 June 2026.

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NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen said: "Wet wipes and greasy leftovers are turning our sewers into the smelliest monster hotels in all of Northern Ireland. Fatbergs and Wet Wipe Monsters are lurking, congealing, and growing as fast as your holiday homework pile! One minute it’s a single wipe, next minute it's a full-on monster party, causing blockages and making our pipes grumble louder than your tummy before lunch."

Anna continued: "When fatbergs and wet wipe monsters clog our sewers, homes and schools are hit with floods of filthy water and the smell is completely unmistakable. Whenever these monsters appear, NI Water's bravest workers have to suit up like superheroes, armed with high-powered hoses and mega-suction gear, to battle the beasts and keep monster mayhem from overrunning our towns."

NI Water's advice includes flushing only the 3Ps — pee, poo and paper; putting wet wipes, cotton buds and nappies in the bin; pouring leftover fats and grease into a container instead of down the sink; and spreading the word at home to keep 'monsters' out of the network.

Anna concluded: "Are you brave enough to become a Sewer Superhero and defeat the monsters? Grab your silliest pens, brightest colours, and your wildest imagination to help clean up our underground world. For entry details, ask your teacher or visit the NI Water website. And let's keep fatbergs and wet wipe monsters away for good!"

Further details on NI Water's 'What Lies Beneath' schools art competition are available at www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/resources-for-schools or by emailing NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen at [email protected].