Scottish Water has launched the start of the next phase of its Keep the cycle running campaign aimed at reducing sewer blockages in Scotland.
Children from Burgh Primary School in Musselburgh helped launch the new phase by joining forces with Scottish Water and the Marine Conservation Society to highlight the costly impact of disposing with personal cleansing and cleaning wipes, cotton buds and nappies down the toilet.
Approximately 37,000 blockages in Scotland’s drains and sewer network last year were attended by Scottish Water and around 80 per cent of these resulted from inappropriate items being flushed down sinks and toilets.
In the Musselburgh sewer network, there were over 200 blockages in 2015 - almost 4 per week or 1 for every 50 homes.
The latest phase of Scottish Water’s ‘Keep the water cycle running smoothly’ campaign has a specific focus on bathroom waste.
Ahead of the launch of a new TV and radio advert to highlight the campaign, the Musselburgh pupils were at Fisherrow Sands to note down the items of rubbish Scottish Water volunteers found as they cleaned them off the beach. The effects of blockages in the sewer system can often be seen in beaches across Scotland.
Scott Fraser Campaign Manager at Scottish Water, said:
“The majority of sewer blockages are entirely avoidable as they are caused by items such as wipes, nappies and sanitary items being put down toilets.”
“We are committed to reducing the impact of sewer blockages and the misery of sewer flooding which can be caused in homes, businesses and in streets. “
“In some circumstances this issue can affect Scotland’s beaches and coastal environment. We at Scottish Water are determined to do all we can to protect and enhance Scotland’s natural environment and we’re delighted to have the support of Burgh Primary School, East Lothian Council and the Marine Conservation Society in launching this new phase of our campaign at Fisherrow Sands.”
Scott Fraser said while the campaign is helping to get the message across and the water company had made great progress with the help of customers, there was still a lot more that could be done to tackle blocked drains and sewer flooding.
The campaign and advertisements will be broadcast on STV, Sky Adsmart, 20 radio stations and on digital and social media channels across Scotland.
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