SWINE flu is being blamed by a water company for an increase in the numbers of blocked sewers and pumps.

Kate McGrath

SWINE flu is being blamed by a water company for an increase in the numbers of blocked sewers and pumps.

Anglian Water said a rise in the problem was believed to be down to people using more hand wipes and baby wipes then flushing them down toilets.

The company has reported a significant increase in blocked sewers and pumps in the region.

Paul Gibbs, director of wastewater services at Anglian Water, said: “Wipes should not be flushed down toilets, despite what the packaging may say, as unlike toilet paper, wipes do not break up - they can accumulate in the drains. And, of course, this doesn't just cause problems for the public sewers - the pipes in your own home can become blocked, leading to the need for inconvenient and potentially costly work.

“NHS advice on swine flu, including keeping surfaces and hands clean, is of course very important - but if wipes are used, they should always be placed in a bin afterwards and not down the toilet or drains.”