09/02/10
Launch of a new campaign to stop pollution and sewer flooding caused when houses are wrongly connected to the public drainage system.
The water and sewerage companies and the Environment Agency today launched Connect Right, to help prevent risk to health, polluted rivers, and damage to wildlife caused by drainage misconnections.
Members of both Houses of Parliament with supporters from local government and industry attended the launch at the House of Commons hosted by Paddy Tipping MP.
Misconnections occur when washing machines, dishwashers, baths, showers and even toilets are connected to surface water drains instead of foul water drains (sewers). They also occur when roof drains, new buildings or gutters are connected by mistake to the foul water system instead of surface water drains.
The first type of misconnection causes pollution, the second type can cause flooding.
The scale of the problem is unknown but it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of homes are misconnected.
Pamela Taylor, Water UK Chief Executive, said
"Connect Right is a determined effort by a group of organisations to solve a problem that is affecting communities all over the UK.
"We want a lot more people to be aware that misconnections are spoiling beauty spots and recreation sites, damaging wildlife and causing sewers to flood with terrible consequences for people and neighbourhoods.
"Connect Right is a twin-track campaign. We will work to find and remedy the misconnections. But we will also spread the news that some basic rules can stop misconnections happening in the first place.
"The sewer system is under attack from many sides. In addition to Connect Right, the industry is supporting a national effort to prevent all types of sewer abuse. It is working with a wide range of people on solutions that allow everyone to play their part."
The new campaign is supported by local authorities, builders and the construction industry supply chain, DIY retailers, white goods manufacturers, plumbers, and housing associations.
For more information please contact:
Water Communication 020 7344 1809
Out of hours 07833 450544
Note
Water UK and the Environment Agency are grateful to Defra, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, and the Chartered Institute of Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) for their support in the preparation and launch of Connect Right.
