Drain Pipes Clogged with Toys, Traffic Cones; AI Helps Detect Blockages

• South West Water (SWW) workers in Britain found bizarre items like toy cars, dog bowls, and traffic cones blocking drain pipes.
• The discoveries highlight careless waste disposal, with items such as trolley wheels, brushes, and tires also found deep in sewers.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now used to analyze CCTV footage, automatically identifying faults and blockages, replacing time-consuming manual review.
• Andy Pettifer, Wastewater Operations Manager, stressed that blockages are serious, affecting homes, businesses, and the environment.
• Public is urged to only flush "3 Ps" (Pee, Poo, Paper) and dispose of other waste responsibly to prevent pollution and flooding.

Why It Matters: Careless waste disposal clogs sewers; AI aids detection, but public awareness is crucial for prevention.