It forms part of wider efforts by the water sector and environmental bodies to tackle the root causes of sewer flooding and develop a sustainable drainage system for future generations.
A global statement has been signed by 247 companies in 18 countries outlining the water industry’s current position regarding flushable-labelled products.
The international statement has recommended that consumers are given clear and unambiguous information about appropriate disposal methods of products.
So-called ‘flushable’ products cause misery to millions of people around the world by blocking sewers and contributing to floods in their homes and wider environment.
In the UK alone, water companies estimate it costs £88 million a year to unblock sewers, and more than half of blockages are exacerbated by wipes and hygiene products. This does not include the human and environmental impact and cost.
Water UK director of environment Sarah Mukherjee said: “There are strong views from customers and water companies that manufacturers need to take action to stop calling wet wipes ‘flushable’ and help prevent sewer flooding.
“The financial and emotional cost of a sewer flood in your home is awful and surely it is worth taking every step possible to prevent this happening.”
The Consumer Council for Water supported the calls. Policy manager Steve Grebby said: “It’s vital consumers are given clear, accurate and consistent advice about what they can safely flush down the loo.”
“Our research shows many households are still confused but we have a really simple message for consumers – only flush the 3Ps down your loo – pee, poo and paper. That way we can all reduce the risk of sewer flooding and the untold misery it causes thousands of households and businesses every year.”
Scottish Water chief operating officer Peter Farrer said: “On average, Scottish Water responds to 80 blockages each day which are a direct result of inappropriate items like wet wipes being flushed down toilets.
“This can lead to flooding of homes, gardens and businesses, as well as pollution of beaches or rivers. And it’s also costly for a business which aims to keep customer charges as low as possible – we spend around £6 million a year tackling this problem.
“We are supportive of action which can help reduce the scale of this problem – such as highlighting the issue and working with manufacturers and other organisations with a role to play.
“Scottish Water, along with 230 other companies in 17 countries, have signed a joint statement on flushability of wet wipes and a call for clearer labelling on products. We also support Water UK contacting trading standards to look into the issue of labelling further.
“Our Keep the Cycle Moving campaign, meanwhile, highlights simple steps people can take to help play their part – such as binning all wipes instead of flushing them. This is a message we have been taking into communities around Scotland, including manning stalls in supermarkets to provide information to customers.”
Last month, Wessex Water led calls for a ban on the word flushable on wet wipe packaging. The water company wrote to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) calling for an end to “misleading” branding and packaging.
The complaint followed government-confirmed plans to ban microbeads in cosmetic goods.