Northern Ireland production index: water and waste
Northern Ireland production index: water and waste stood at 100.2 in Q2 2026, according to Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). It is one of the indicators in the Output indices, Northern Ireland and Wales table (Value · Quarterly), with a complete series running from Q1 2005 to Q2 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Output indices, Northern Ireland and Wales table
| Indicator | Q2-2026 | Q1-2026 | Q4-2025 | Q3-2025 | Q2-2025 | Q1-2025 | Q4-2024 | Q3-2024 | Q2-2024 | Q1-2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Index of Production (2023 = 100) | |||||||||||
| Water supply, sewerage and waste management | 100.2 | 94.1 | 96 | 97.7 | 100.5 | 100.1 | 94.8 | 97.4 | 95.5 | 97.8 | |
| All production industries | 110.1 | 107 | 104.4 | 102.4 | 102.2 | 99.2 | 101.4 | 99.7 | 98.1 | 97.6 |
Understanding northern Ireland production index: water and waste
Water collection, treatment, sewerage operations, and waste remediation services across Northern Ireland measure the physical output volumes of environmental utility management. This series tracks the processing of clean water, wastewater treatment activities, and refuse collection or recycling services, distinguishing environmental utilities from traditional manufacturing and energy supply. It excludes private waste management initiatives not captured by regulated utility reporting frameworks within Northern Ireland.
Interpreting this series requires recognising that environmental utility demand remains relatively stable compared to cyclical manufacturing, though weather events can alter water treatment volumes. Early estimates are subject to administrative adjustments as municipal and commercial throughput data is fully processed. Analysts should compare these figures against long-term demographic trends rather than short-term macroeconomic indicators, ensuring they do not confuse environmental utility volumes with broader construction output.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this index cover private recycling firms?
- The series includes commercial waste management activities that report through official regulatory and industrial collection channels.
- Why is this sector less volatile than manufacturing?
- Basic water and sanitation services fulfil constant civic needs, resulting in steadier demand patterns across economic cycles.
- How do heavy rainfall events affect the data?
- Increased stormwater runoff elevates the volume handled by wastewater and sewerage treatment facilities.