5th May 2010

WEYMOUTH: What have you lost down the loo?

IF anyone in Weymouth and Portland has lost rings, false teeth or even a child’s wooden tractor down the loo then Wessex Water might have found them.

Sewage treatment works finds of items accidentally dropped down toilets or drains have also included everything from male and female underwear to a can of baked beans!

Wessex waste water head Nick Stone said: “It is utterly remarkable that these items have found their way to our sewage treatment works. We’ve even had calls from customers asking if we can retrieve and return dentures to them!

“We treat 490 million litres of sewage from 2.6 million people a day so the likelihood of recovering items is extremely slim.”

Other objects recovered included a digital watch – still working and keeping good time – a Bluetooth headset, a wallet, face cream and a variety of children’s toys.

Mr Stone said: “Some of the items do not make it as far as our treatment works, but instead get stuck in customers’ drains and pipework. Removing these blockages can be expensive and somewhat embarrassing.

“Around 75 per cent of blockages involve disposable items and these cost householders millions annually in plumbing bills. When waste backs up in the sewerage system behind these items it can result in external and internal flooding to properties, businesses and the highway.

“Our services are in constant demand seven days a week 365 days a year so it is imperative our assets are performing at their best all the times.

“We hope by releasing this list customers will be encouraged to keep a watchful eye in the home over any items near their drains and toilets.”