The Bostock Country Estate maintains its own water treatment plant. This means that wastewater services is included in your monthly management fee, so be sure to let United Utilities know that you should be on the reduced rate.
We are responsible for our own drainage pipes, so it is vital that we follow the guidelines set out by the water authority and Water UK.
Think before you flush
Please do not dispose of anything other than pee, poo and designated toilet paper down your toilet. Domestic drainage pipes are typically 10cm (4") in diameter and are simply not designed to carry anything else. As much as we live in a disposable age, it's vital that we think before put anything down our toilets.
Tissues and paper towels should not be flushed. This type of paper is designed to absorb moisture and stay together when wet and takes too long to break down in the sewer system causing blockages.
Small items, such as cotton buds and dental floss, can escape through wastewater filters at the treatment plant and reach our rivers and beaches when the processed water is returned to the natural environment. Wet wipes, even the ones designed for use in the toilet, should never be flushed. Not only will they not disintegrate, but they also contain plastic, one of the major culprits polluting our natural landscapes and killing our wildlife (see video below).
Cat litter, even “flushable” cat litter, should not be put down the toilet – again this causes blockages.
Think before you pour
United Utilities advises that we follow these other top tips to avoid a drain disaster!
- Before washing, pour or scrape fat, gravy and sauces from roasting trays, pans and plates into a heat resistant container; when cool place waste in the bin;
- Small amounts of grease left in pans or on plates can be wiped away with kitchen roll and thrown in the bin;
- Use a sink strainer to capture food scraps and put them in the bin;
- For larger quantities of oils, contact your local council who’ll let you know how to dispose of them and where your local recycling centre is.
Enter here to discover Martin Lewis's (Money Saving Expert) helpful advice on how to cut our water bills
Sources
Wet wipes make up 93% of matter causing UK sewer blockages
Plastic in oceans will triple within seven years, scientists warn
The total amount of plastic debris in the ocean is forecast to rise from 50 million tonnes in 2015 to 150 million tonnes by 2025.
United Utilities
Understanding your bill
Wastewater services
Water queries
Call 0345 672 2999 if you have a water meter or 0345 672 2888 if you don't have a water meter.
Water emergencies
If you have concerns about the colour of your tap water or your water pressure, contact the United Utilities team 24 hours a day on 0345 672 3723.
Report a leak
If you've spotted a leak in the road or footpath please call or 0800 330 033 or use United Utilities Report a Leak form.