This waste, which includes human waste and chemical discharge from factories, overflows from storm drainage pipes over 24,500 times annually.

NI Water explained that one of their 1,124 wastewater treatment plants is responsible for treating sewage from homes and businesses before releasing it back into rivers or the sea.

However, the continued spills will persist unless NI Water receives additional funding to upgrade their network.

NI Water reported 24,521 instances annually of untreated sewage spills, according to their internal estimates.

This wastewater, which includes trade effluent, oils, and human waste, is released directly into the water without treatment.

While some spills are legally permitted from combined storm overflows during heavy rainfall, NI Water's Director of Engineering and Sustainability Gary Curran explained that these overflows serve as a pressure relief valve for the wastewater network, preventing potential flooding and property damage.

A significant number of sites discharging wastewater, including half of NI Water's combined storm overflows, do not adhere to environmental legislation.

This non-compliance results in approximately 20 million tonnes of wastewater being released into public waterways annually.

One specific NI Water facility in Clonoe, County Tyrone, averages a daily spill of raw sewage.

Other spill sites are situated near popular swimming areas and environmentally sensitive locations.