'Unflushables' delay Guernsey Water works

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Bed sheets and other 'unflushables' like wet wipes have been causing issues for Guernsey Water, which said even linen is among the items that have been flushed down local toilets.

The utility is asking that people dispose of their waste correctly to avoid blockages in the sewer system.

"As with any large project, we have faced challenges within each phase," said Guernsey Water's Capital Delivery Manager, Mark Walker. "The particular challenge with this phase is the blocking of the temporary pumps which are currently responsible for transferring sewer flows from large parts of the Vale and St Sampson's onwards to the wastewater centre at Belle Greve, bypassing the station in order for us to carry out upgrades.

"These blockages have been as a result of a build-up of all sorts of materials that should not be flushed down the toilet or disposed of down the drain. This primarily consists of wet wipes, but has also included an array of other items, including sheets."

Pictured: Works to improve the St Sampson's drainage system continue.

The utility is now in the final phase of its work in St Sampson's, to upgrade drainage systems.

Phase four of the project, which began earlier this year, involves the upgrade of one of the utility's pumping stations at the Southern Edge of St Sampson's Harbour, and it should all be finished within the next couple of months.

Once completed, the works should aid how the pumping station copes with 'unflushable' items, although Guernsey Water said it would not be possible to overcome it all.

"The resulting risk of these blockages includes potential spills to the marine environment and/or potential flooding of upstream areas, not excluding domestic property.

"We would again like to remind islanders to flush only the three Ps, for the benefit of not only the island's wastewater infrastructure but its environment too."

 More information on the ongoing project is available here.