WELSH Water has successfully tested an innovative radar sensor that can help prevent internal sewer flooding incidents.

The innovation, the Vega radar sensor, has been through rigorous testing and was found to still perform even when contending with rags, grease and other items that can cause major problems within the network and in worst cases can lead to flooding and pollution incidents.

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Mike Loyns, wastewater asset engineer said: "The Vega sensor is an excellent example of how innovation seeks to continuously improve how we carry out essential services, using the latest digital and technological advances.

"Providing real time, accurate data, the new solution can improve our reaction time, making unnecessary call-outs and false readings a thing of the past.

"We also need customers to play their part too and help stop the block. Just a single wet wipe is enough to start a blockage in your sewer pipe and risks causing catastrophic flooding in your home."

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Sean Gregory, research and innovation manager said: "Innovation is at the heart of Welsh Water’s plans for the future, ensuring that we continue to work towards our environmental targets and continue to provide an effective, resilient and affordable service for decades to come.

"As such, the company has set aside a record budget of over £80 million for research and innovation to transform water and wastewater services over the next five years."

Sensors allow Welsh Water to identify problems and deal with them before they become major issues.

Around two thirds of sewer blockages are caused by things that shouldn’t be there, such as wipes, nappies, and cotton buds, and also people putting things down their sink such as fats, oils and greases. The impact of this can lead to catastrophic flooding in people’s homes.

Wipes, cotton buds and sanitary products should be disposed of in the bin, while fat, oil and grease should be disposed of responsibly rather than pouring it down the sink.