Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
What not to flush down loos
More than 8,000 blockages caused by “unflushable” items including fat and wet wipes have had to be cleared from Kent’s sewer system, according to water chiefs.
Southern Water has had to deal with 8,375 obstructions in the past year caused by a staggering 2,652 tonnes of waste.
A report by Water UK, which represents water and wastewater service providers, reveals sewers are often backed up by nappies, wipes and sanitary items.
It has led to the launch of a campaign calling on residents to only flush the “Three Ps - pee, poo and paper”.
As part of the project, which is supported by the Consumer Council for Water, a video has been released. It features characters including Tim the toilet, Steve the pink teddy and Sharon the ‘wash-o-matic’ encouraging people to stop ditching their unflushable items into the sewer.
The short film also features the real stories of people who have had sewage back up into their homes.
Southern Water’s wastewater manager, Tim Bagnall, said: “The campaign helps people understand how to properly dispose of fat, oil, grease and unflushable items like wipes, tampons, nappies and condoms.
“It also aims to highlight the impact a sewage flood in people’s homes can have – and provide some advice on how people can stop it happening to them.
“Washing up liquid and hot water does not completely wash cooking fat from your pipes, and the only things you should flush are the Three Ps – pee, poo and paper.”