Water & Wastewater Treatment Magazine
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/762480
In the know Digging deeper: wastewater networks 26 | JANUARY 2017 | WWT | www.wwtonline.co.uk There are some manufacturers taking positive steps to tackle the issue and help educate consumers. For instance, Anglian Water has worked with entrepreneur Martha Silcott to develop a hygienic, easy- to-use disposal bag that biodegrades and provides a hygienic, easy and discreet way to deal with tampon disposal instead of flushing, for instance. Back-up solutions An important further step in tackling the problem is for machinery manufacturers, like ourselves, to work with the water industry to develop solutions that can have an immediate effect on the problem, while the longer term campaigns progress. Water companies need to take a proactive approach and ensure they have back-up systems in place to successfully screen material in wastewater treatment plants. The effective removal of rag and grit at the start of the process can save operators money on unnecessary maintenance and downtime. Using the latest high-efficiency sludge screening technology, material such as rag can be received directly on to the screen and removed before it causes blockages. All wastewater treatment companies should have an effective primary screening system, such as our high frequency vibrating technology, in place if they are to win the war on 'flushable' wipes and the like. As well as improving conditions for workers and reducing distress for customers, there are significant savings to be made if sewer blockages are reduced. For example, Anglian Water spends around £15M every year on removing blockages from sewers. It attends more than 30,000 incidents every year, the vast majority of which are avoidable and caused by wipes, sanitary items and fats and greases from cooking. Collaboration can cure blockages The more companies that work together on this multi-faceted approach to educating consumers and improving products and systems, the sooner a lasting solution can be found. There may still be the occasional teddy or plastic fish that goes on an adventure thanks to an imaginative child, but the larger scale problem should be wiped away. www.cdenviro.com The CDEnviro SMAX G is one example of equipment that can act as a back-up solution Publicity campaigns, such as this one from Wessex Water, are central to changing customer behaviour