MP Mark Garnier was "shocked" to see a large amount of wet wipes and other unflushable products removed from a sewage treatment works in Kidderminster during a visit. 

Severn Trent recently welcomed the Wyre Forest MP, to see first-hand the impact wet wipes and other unflushables are having on the network.  

Get River Positive was launched in March to provide a clear response to transform river water quality across the region. 

Central to the pledges is a commitment that work carried out by the company will ensure storm overflows and sewage treatment works do not harm rivers.  

Mr Garnier was able to see the skips containing items such as wet wipes and sanitary products that have incorrectly been flushed down the toilet, which are screened out during the treatment process. 

These items can cause blockages when they arrive at the treatment works, however, in the worst-case scenario, they don’t even make it to the works, instead blocking sewer pipes, which can lead to wastewater backing up into homes, gardens and rivers.  

Mark Garnier said: “It was a fascinating visit to the Kidderminster treatment works. I had in depth discussions with the team about Severn Trent’s ongoing commitments to improving the quality of our rivers and waterways across the region, which were welcoming to hear.  

“It was shocking to see the amount of wet wipes and other unflushable products that have to be removed by the team at the treatment works and hear about the potential impact these items can have on the environment.”  

Severn Trent Waste Water Recycling Business Lead, Thomas Reeves, who hosted the visit, said: “It was a pleasure to host this visit and to be able to discuss both the measures that we’re taking to improve the health of our region’s rivers, and the steps we’re taking to combat issues such as the incorrect disposal of wet wipes and other unflushable items into the drains."

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