NI Water has apologised after it emerged a sewage spill into a Co Down river was caused by a pipe blockage.
The incident happened in June and affected the River Inler (also known as Enler) in Comber.
NI Water recently bought land at Newtown Bridge in the town, and following the sewage spills, Ards and North Down Borough Council wrote to the public water body highlighting concerns.
In its reply last month, NI Water wrote its wastewater teams confirmed the "regrettable" sewage spill was a "result of a blockage at a combined sewer outfall pipe in the area, causing waste to back-up and overflow".
“On receipt of reports of the problem at the time, our team swiftly attended to investigate and resolve the issue. We can only apologise for the understandable concern caused to residents and the council," the letter stated.
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NI Water said it was planning to upgrade a nearby wastewater pumping station with work due to begin in the coming months.
In 2015 a major fish kill occurred in the river, sparking a pollution investigation, while in 2013 around 5,000 fish died as a result of three pollution incidents for which a farmer was fined £6,000.
