News

Nelson Investigates - Project Launch

15 Nov 2011

Portsmouth Football Club’s mascot, Nelson has been investigating what goes on underneath the streets of our city this week. He has had a fascinating insight into the journey that our waste water takes from the time it leaves our plughole and the consequences of putting things down the drain or the toilet that shouldn’t be there!
The first sewers were built in Portsmouth in Victorian times, but the system has grown and developed over the years to serve the city. The new programme, which is sponsored by Southern Water and is delivered by the Education Team at the Pompey Study Centre, aims to engage and inform children from all areas of the city about how important the sewer system is to all of Portsmouth’s residents.
With Nelson’s help, the Education Team have gathered information and created colourful resources to teach school children across the city about the problems that can be caused when fats, oils, grease and non-biodegradable products such as baby wipes, cotton buds and nappies are put into the sewer system. The children get involved in hands-on experiments in the classroom to see what happens when these undesirables mix with water and what happens to cotton wool and baby wipes once they enter the sewer. Around three quarters of sewer blockages are caused by the fats, oils and grease (FOG) that are put down the drain and this can lead to floods and cause damage to the environment. Pupils are also given information about how to dispose of FOG sensibly so that it does not find its way into the sewer. As well as classroom based activities, the participating Year 3 and 4 pupils have one hour of practical activities in the playground which enhance what they have learnt in class.
This unique programme, which is wholly funded by Southern Water has been a great success so far and will continue into next year. Eleven schools in the area have already signed up to take advantage of this course which consists of 4 hours free teaching over 2 weeks.
Children from Cottage Grove Primary School were treated to a special visit to Budds Farm Treatment Works this week along with Pompey’s Mascot Nelson and Linvoy Primus. The children really enjoyed their memorable trip. Sumayih said, ‘The poo was the best bit because it looks like bubbly chocolate!’ Jaabir said, ‘ I thought it was excellent. The best bit was the balloon full of gas that they get out of the waste products, because they burn it and it makes electricity.’