Southern Water has outlined details of four separate projects with a total spend of almost £7 million aimed at tackling blockages, all of which involved upgrading the screens at a number of the firm’s wastewater treatment works.

The water company is investing more than £5 million to increase capacity and battle blockages at its Whitewall Creek treatment works near Strood. The works, which serves a population of more than 25,000 people, is being expanded to cater for new homes which are planned for the area.

New filters and treatment tanks have been installed along with various new pumps and sections of pipework. The scheme will be brought on-line later this month.

The site’s screens, which filter out non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes and sanitary products, are also being upgraded to help battle an influx of material which can block pipes and pumps.

Since April last year, almost 40 tons of wet wipes and other items have been removed from wastewater entering the works and taken away to be turned into compost for use on reclamation sites.

Les Kelley, Southern Water Project Manager, said:

“This major project means Whitewall Creek will continue to serve the area’s growing population and ensure the treated wastewater returned to the environment is cleaner than ever.”

The work was carried out by Southern Water supplier Morrison Utility Services.

Morrison has also been carrying out work on two separate projects - more than £1 million has been spent on replacing two screens  with new, more efficient ones, together with installation of a third screen at Southern Water’s Aylesford Wastewater Treatment Works. Almost £500,000 has also been invested in updating the screenings handling system at Southern Water’s Weatherlees Hill Wastewater Treatment Works.

In a separate £375,000 scheme, Southern Water supplier Barhale Trant Utilities has also refurbished the screens at its Faversham Wastewater Treatment Works.

The screens filter out items such as wet wipes and other non-biodegradable material from the wastewater that enters the site, which can block pipes and pumps.

Along with solidified cooking oils, wet wipes and other items contribute to about three quarters of all sewer blockages and can cause toilets, sinks and baths to overflow.