Southern Water are highlighting the issue of blocked sewage pipes during this year’s World Toilet Day, with 250 blockages in the past 18 months right here on the Isle of Wight.
All things weird and wonderful have been found in the sewers, including this teddy pictured. Dubbed Bruce by the team that found him, the cuddly creature is just one of a haul of potty items that have found their way into the sewers as well as a variety of other toys, including a rubber duck and even a life jacket, which Bruce has since taken to wearing.
All these items have ended up Southern Water’s wastewater treatment works, along with more common culprits like wet wipes and sanitary items. They cause sewer blockages, which can lead to flooding of homes, gardens, rivers or beaches – in the last 18 months there have been almost 250 sewer blockages on the Isle of Wight caused by things that should not be in the sewers.
Southern Water is highlighting the issue on World Toilet Day (19th November). The day aims to break the taboo around toilets and draw attention to global sanitation issues.
Martin Coote (pictured with Bruce), a Process Operator, said:
“Some of things we find in the sewers or at our treatment works do raise a smile, like Bruce did, but the potential consequences – such as homes flooded with wastewater – are serious.
“According to the charity WaterAid, 2.5 billion people – around one in three of the world’s population – don’t have a safe, clean, private toilet. Therefore, we should all take more pride in our own toilets and sewers. What better time to make some simple changes than on World Toilet Day?”
More information: www.wateraid.org/worldtoiletday www.southernwater.co.uk/paininthedrain
