Welsh Water launches scheme to cut £7m sewer blockage bill

Welsh Water is launching a nationwide campaign to reduce sewage blockages, which costs it £7 million a year.

The 12 month campaign, Let’s Stop the Block, aims to encourage the public to help reduce the risk of pollution and sewage flooding of homes. Welsh Water will visit homes, schools and restaurants to encourage its customers to change their behaviour when it comes to putting things down the toilet and disposing of fat and grease. 

The water firm said most of the 2,000 blockages a month are caused by items like cotton buds and sanitary towels being flushed down the toilet. 

Steve Wilson, director of wastewater services, Welsh Water said: “A lot of people aren’t even aware that these items can cause sewer flooding and pollution in their homes and communities. It is actually illegal to throw or empty anything into our network that’s likely to damage a sewer or drain or to interfere with its free flow.” 

“Anyone who has suffered a flood in their home because of a blocked drain or sewer will know the damage and personal upset that is causes. With the collective support of enough people, we will be able to reduce the blockages, floods and pollution that cause so much distress.”