Northern Ireland Water – One Year On
A year after sparking debate around Northern Ireland’s water infrastructure, civil engineer and transport planner Karen McShane returns with an update on how new technology is helping modernise an ageing system and protect the environment.
In September 2024, my article in this magazine opened a debate about Northern Ireland Water and the increased use of combined stormwater overflows (CSOs). But what exactly are they – and what has changed since then?
In older developments, Victorian engineers designed combined sewer systems to carry both foul water from our homes and rainwater from storm events. During periods of heavy rainfall, these systems can exceed the capacity of wastewater treatment works, which are typically designed for normal, not peak, flow. To prevent flooding and sewage backing up into homes, overflow structures (CSOs) were built into the network. The idea was simple: when too much water filled the wastewater enough that a controlled discharge into a nearby watercourse would protect properties.
However, in recent decades, limited funding and increasing rainfall events have caused these overflows to activate more frequently. Northern Ireland Water (NIW) is funded by the Department for Infrastructure, and unlike water companies in the rest of the UK, cannot borrow money to speed up infrastructure upgrades. Without an independent income stream, NIW faces challenges in modernising at the pace required. While the question of introducing a domestic charge to support investment remains politically sensitive, the need for upgrades is now clearer than ever – and that’s where my recent visit to BSG Civil Engineering’s new NIW comms fit in.
Across the water sector, transparency has become a key issue.
In England, water companies are legally required to share information on sewage discharge start and stop times under Environmental Information Regulations. The Information Commissioner’s Office has encouraged all UK companies to do the same.
Here in Northern Ireland, while the same legal responsibility doesn’t yet apply, NIW has already made great progress.
BSG Civil Engineering has installed over 700 Event Duration Monitors (EDMs) across the NIW network – a major step towards real-time environmental monitoring. These EDMs are now in place at key sensitive locations such as designated shellfish waters, bathing waters, Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Conservation Zones.
During my visit, Stephen Glackin and William Trainor from BSG outlined how their partnership with NIW and engineering consultants McAdam Design created a bespoke system to suit the variety of overflow and pumping station sites across the region. Each installation is mains powered to guarantee uninterrupted operation of the ultrasonic instruments, which record water levels and transmit data every two minutes.
Real-time data allows NIW to detect rising water, prioritise investment where it’s needed most and prevent environmental incidents.
For example, once operational, the planned £2.9 million upgrade to the Portaferry works was redirected to a £46,000 project when the new monitoring data revealed that exceeding levels were much lower than originally estimated. In another case, it triggered a major removal of hoarded fats that drive asset investment.
A Victorian system transformed
The project has effectively transformed a Victorian system into a digital, data-led network. New interactive features within NIW’s online map explain wastewater service lines and collaboration went into developing the system, with multiple partners contributing to a model that now sets a new benchmark for water management.
At this year’s Construction Employers Federation Awards, the project was recognised for its innovation in digital design, with BSG Engineering receiving a Highly Commended award in the Infrastructure (below £10m) category, presented by TV personality Nick Knowles, as well as recognition for Excellence in Training – a testament to the determination and skill of everyone involved.
On a personal note…
I was deeply honoured to receive the Significant Contribution Award from the Plant & Civil Engineer team this year. It was a genuine surprise and a proud moment for all civil engineers whose work continues to shape and sustain our society.
As Northern Ireland continues to navigate the challenges of climate, funding and infrastructure projects, this field shows what’s possible through innovation, collaboration and the determination to do things differently.
Karen McShane Ltd
Albany House, 73–75 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7AF
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9560 9798
Email: info@karenmcshane.co.uk
Website: www.karenmcshane.co.uk
