Cherilyn Mackrory MP for Truro and Falmouth yesterday visited the Newham Sewage Works to see the work South West Water are doing to cut down on plastic pollution and improve water safety across Cornwall.
Plastic pollution is a fundamental cause of harm to the health of our waterways, rivers, and sewers. Waste materials such as wet wipes can block pipes and cause damage to equipment which delays the efficiency of local sewage system. Wastewater further causes environmental damage including preventable spillages into the local water supply. Currently, it costs South West Water £4,000 per year to unblock 7,000 sewers throughout the region.
South West Water are working to raise awareness of potentially harmful waste products, last month inviting people to take part in their Unblocktober campaign. This campaign asked people to avoid flushing items such as cooking oil, margarine, food, lard, face masks, sanitary products, cotton buds, dental floss, and more. Cherilyn has voiced her support for Unblocktober, praising its objectives and commitment to improving the health of our rivers, and seas.
Cherilyn says:
“I am proud of the work South West Water are doing to clean up our water system, and reduce plastic pollution. I’m always shocked when things are found in sewers that shouldn’t be there, and by the amount of harm something as small as a wet wipe can cause.
“The work being done at Newham to keep our sewers flowing and our rivers clean is inspiring. I comment South West Water for their efforts, and I support them to go further to prevent avoidable environmental harm.
“It is not too late for all of us to do more, and I invite everyone to please continue the Unblocktober pledge and help keep our water clean, and safe for everyone.”