May 5th 2024.
The sewers managed by Severn Trent Water have been home to some interesting discoveries, including a Ken doll and a Dora the Explorer toy. These are just a couple of the unique items that have been found by the company's dedicated workers while they were underground.
When it comes to unusual finds, toys seem to take the top spot, followed closely by pieces of a garden shed and false teeth. Other interesting objects that have been discovered include underwear, a chopped-up bed frame, and even glasses, wallets, keys, cutlery, and car tires.
Grant Mitchell, the lead for sewer blockages at Severn Trent, shared that over the years, they have come across a wide variety of items in their sewers. He explained that they often have to sift through piles of unflushable items, which are filtered out during the treatment process at their Sewage Treatment Works. Mitchell added that it can be quite entertaining to see what people have flushed down their toilets, although they are still unsure how some of these objects ended up in the sewers.
However, while the list of unusual objects may seem lighthearted, Mitchell emphasized that there is a serious message behind it. He urged people to be careful about what they flush down their toilets, as it can lead to messy and expensive problems. Wet wipes and other non-flushable items like nappies and sanitary products are the main culprits for causing blockages.
In fact, in the past year alone, Severn Trent's waste crews have dealt with 28,782 blockages, with a significant number caused by wet wipes. The company also highlighted the fact that even some products labeled as 'flushable' or 'biodegradable' do not break down like toilet paper, causing further issues.
Other items that have caused problems in the sewers include kitchen roll, cotton buds, and even items that people mistakenly believe are flushable, such as nappies and sanitary products. Mitchell reiterated the importance of only flushing the three P's - pee, poo, and paper - and disposing of everything else in the bin.
In conclusion, while the list of strange objects found in the sewers may seem amusing, it serves as a reminder to be mindful of what we flush down our toilets. Let's help keep the sewers clear and avoid any unpleasant and costly issues. And who knows, maybe the next time you see a Ken doll or a Dora the Explorer toy, you'll wonder about its journey through the sewers.
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