SW Water’s AI Reveals Odd Sewer Finds & Blockage Crisis

South West Water (SWW) recently unveiled its 2023 sewer findings, highlighting a concerning array of unusual items and everyday waste causing significant problems across the region. Using innovative AI-assisted CCTV analysis, SWW discovered everything from traffic cones and toy cars to vast quantities of wet wipes, sanitary products, and solidified cooking fat, oil, and grease (FOG). This advanced technology has been instrumental in identifying blockages more efficiently, particularly in critical areas like Plymouth and Cornwall, where the density of the sewage network and population contributes to higher incident rates.

The local impact of these discoveries is substantial. In 2023 alone, SWW reported over 16,000 sewer blockages, leading to more than 500 pollution incidents. These incidents pose a severe threat to local ecosystems, contaminating rivers and coastal waters, which are vital for both wildlife and the region’s tourism economy. The financial burden is equally staggering, with SWW spending approximately £7.5 million annually to clear these preventable blockages – a cost ultimately borne by customers through their water bills.

Community relevance is at the core of SWW’s message. The company emphasizes that a significant portion of these issues stems from improper disposal habits by residents. Items flushed down toilets or poured down sinks contribute directly to blockages, underscoring the collective responsibility in maintaining the health of the sewage system. SWW is actively engaging with local communities, urging them to adopt the “Bin it, don’t block it” mantra for non-flushable items and FOG. This community-wide effort is crucial to mitigate environmental damage, reduce operational costs, and ensure the reliable functioning of essential wastewater services for everyone in the South West.

(Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crl9lg1z0w3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)