19/11/08
Water UK supports World Toilet Day to help raise awareness of the millions of families across the world who do not have access to adequate sanitation.
Through support of WaterAid, the water industry's 'own' charity, and their own direct efforts, the UK's water companies are leading contributors to the international effort to improve this sorry situation.
Chief Executive Pamela Taylor, a trustee of WaterAid, who visited Mali earlier this year, said:
"Water companies play an important role in supporting the work of WaterAid in terms of fundraising, which provides safe water and proper sanitation to help tackle the high death rate among children.
"Today also reminds us of the great benefit of an efficient domestic wastewater system that we can easily take for granted. It's in everyone's interest and everyone's responsibility not to misuse the sewer by using it as an extra waste bin."
Inappropriate items such as fats, oils and grease, nappies, sanitary products and cotton buds are flushed down toilets every day, resulting in thousands of homes across the UK suffering from blocked drains.
A blocked drain will prevent wastewater from leaving your home and cause a flood.
Public sewers also get blocked, meaning water and wastewater companies have to clear the mess which costs millions of pounds each year. These costs are met by all customers in their sewerage bills.
Sewage debris can also reach and damage the environment through storm overflows.
Water UK is keen to stress that anything other than toilet paper should be put in the bin, and has worked alongside the Consumer Council for Water, Defra and the Environment Agency to publish a consumer leaflet on disposing of waste responsibly.
Leaflet: How to dispose of your waste responsibly, avoid blocked drains and the flooding of your homeEnds
For further information please contact:
Latest news and policy direct to your desktop