Almost 900 people have signed up to the new MyCesspit Portal service, one month after it launched.

"We've been delighted with the response to the portal, which launched just before Christmas - traditionally one of our busier times. Customer service staff have noticed a drop in calls from people enquiring about their next collection date, showing that people are taking advantage of getting the information about their cesspit directly into their hands - right where it belongs.

"By far the biggest change, and most impactful to customers, is the introduction of the email notifications. Once you're signed up to the portal you will automatically receive an email saying we have successfully collected from your cesspit. We heard customers loud and clear that by far not having any way of knowing if their pit had been collected was a source of deep frustration. This system removes that irritation and I would encourage all cesspit customers to sign up. It's free, simple and only takes a few minutes."

Emails are also sent out if a collection was attempted but the driver couldn't gain access and if the collection wasn't required.

During the course of 2025 additional functions are due to be added to the portal service - including the ability to rearrange your collections. Service updates will also be sent directly to customers.

"This will be particularly important if we have to suspend services, such as during Storm Ciaran a few years ago. For the first time ever we will be able to directly talk to our cesspit customers quickly and easily."

In December the 36 cesspit drivers collected nearly 53 million litres from the 5500 cesspit customers, before transporting it to an emptying point so it can be disposed of in the wastewater network. Any customer who has noticed their pit filling up faster than usual is asked to contact a drainage company so it can be inspected for leaks.