Blockage Busters Take to the Seafront in Brighton

The interactive sewer challenge, developed by Southern Water, Cappagh Browne, and the Water Research Centre (WRC), has already proved a hit at major industry events – and now it’s bringing its hands-on learning experience directly to the public.

Bringing Sewer Reality to Brighton

Visitors strolling along the seafront were invited to step up and try their hand at identifying a simulated sewer blockage using CCTV and other real-life tools of the trade. Designed to be competitive and fun, the activity also reveals just how challenging and confined sewer work can be.

The aim is simple: to help people understand that sewers are far smaller and more vulnerable than many imagine, and that flushing wipes, fats, oils and grease can quickly cause major problems.

“If even 50% of the people who take part change how they use their drains, that’s a fantastic result,” said Steve Williams, Network Protection Manager at Southern Water and the originator of the Blockage Busters concept.

A Team Effort

Cappagh Browne built the life-like sewer system based on Steve’s idea, while WRC contributed their innovative “toilet timer” to help spread water efficiency and good flushing habits. At Madeira Drive, the Blockage Busters were joined by Southern Water’s FOG team, who demonstrated the damage that fats, oils and grease can do to drains and sewers – and how simple changes in the kitchen can help prevent costly blockages.

Roadshow on the Rise

The Brighton stop is just one leg of a growing roadshow. After a hugely successful debut at Utility Week Live, the exhibit has been booked for the National Drainage Show, three internal expos this September, and possibly the WWT Conference in January at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. Utility Week Live has also asked for its return in 2026.

With every stop, the message is flushed home: protecting our sewers starts with small actions in every household.