Hunter Water Calls to "Respect the Throne" After Gigantic Fatberg Removed From Belmont

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter Water has renewed its calls for customers to only flush toilet paper, following an increase in blockages at its wastewater treatment plants.

Over the past five weeks, crews have had to remove blockages from pumps and screening equipment, as a result of more products like paper towel and wet wipes being flushed in the wake of the toilet paper shortage. 

It’s prompted the launch of a new awareness campaign calling on our customers and community to ‘Respect the Throne’. 

Acting Executive Manager Service Delivery for Customers, Glen Robinson, said Hunter Water’s strong message is to only ever flush pee, poo and toilet paper.  

“Our workers have reported seeing a significant increase in these materials, particularly at our Burwood and Belmont plants since the start of March, leading to blockages in our pumps and screening equipment."

“We have also removed an additional 22 tonnes of fatberg from our Morpeth wastewater treatment plant since the start of March.” 

“Products such as paper towel, tissues and wet wipes don’t break down quickly enough in water and can cause large, expensive blockages in our wastewater system or in a customer’s own pipes at their cost and inconvenience."

“We understand our customers may be feeling frustrated if they can’t purchase toilet paper at the moment, but it’s really important that if they need to use anything else, then they should bag and bin it instead,” Mr Robinson said. 

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, welcomed the launch of Hunter Water’s new campaign. 

“There has been a rise in non-flushable items such as wet wipes being disposed of down the toilet,” Mrs Pavey said. 

“Flushing alternatives to toilet paper – wet wipes, kitchen paper, newspaper or tissues - can have serious consequences for public health and the environment. 

“The Lower Hunter has plenty of toilet paper – people just need to stop panic-buying it. If you must use an alternative to toilet paper, you must discard of it in a bin – no exceptions. 

“It may seem convenient at the time, but it won’t when the sewer overflows or when you have to engage a private plumber to clear a blockage in your plumbing.” Mrs Pavey said.  

For more information on how to ‘Respect the Throne’, visit www.hunterwater.com.au.

Belmont Blockage

Hunter Residents Warned to Only Flush the Three P’s - Pee, Poo and (Toilet) Paper to Avoid Blockages

BY ISABEL EVERETT

In the wake of supermarket shelves being cleared of toilet paper and other sanitation items, Hunter Water is reminding its customers to only ever flush the Three P’s – pee, poo and (toilet) paper.

Hunter water is warning other products such as paper towel, tissues and wet wipes do not break down properly and can contribute to large blockages in our wastewater system.

“Not only are sewer blockages disgusting and unpleasant for our crews to remove, they are also expensive,” said Acting Executive Manager Service Delivery for Customers, Glen Robinson.

“It was only recently in late 2019 that we had to remove a 14 tonne blockage from our wastewater treatment plant at Morpeth. The operation required specialist equipment and took several days to complete. We are now preparing to remove yet another one from the same plant.

“Sewer blockages can also cause overflows into the environment and our waterways, as well as in people’s homes, leading to costly plumbing bills for the homeowner.

“Unfortunately they are an issue for water utilities, not only here in Australia, but around the world.

Hunter Water is also advising drinking water remains safe to drink and there is no evidence that drinking water will be affected by coronavirus or that it is transmitted by drinking water.

Hunter Water says their  treatment plants include robust processes to ensure that treated drinking water is of a very high quality and complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and existing water treatment and disinfection processes, including the use of chlorine, are effective at destroying viruses in water supplies.

They are advising there is no need to buy bottled water for drinking and, safe, clean tap water will continue to be supplied directly to Hunter homes every day.

     Blockage removed from Hunter Waters wastewater treatment plant at Morpeth in late 2019.