Pupils lift the lid on secret of sewers in new book launched to celebrate World Toilet Day

• Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water teamed up with Pupils from Upper Rhymney Primary School to launch a children’s book, titled ‘Sewer of Secrets’.   
• The book, which is launching on World Toilet Day, Friday the 19^th of November, represents the culmination of pupil’s efforts since they began working with an author and illustrator on World Book Day in March.

Welsh Water, the not-for-profit utility company has teamed up with pupils from Upper Rhymney Primary School and with a local author and illustrator through the P.E.T.R.A (Parents Engaging to Raise Aspirations) to create a book for children about the harmful effect of putting inappropriate items down the toilet. Many people don’t realise the damage that can be caused by putting things like wet wipes, cotton buds and nappies down the toilet.  If these items are flushed, they can get stuck in the sewer pipes and cause blockages which then can make the sewer overflow.  This can be harmful for the local environment if the sewer overflows onto land or into rivers – or worse still for customers if the sewer overflows inside their home.

The project was developed in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Caerphilly Cares team, who have supported Welsh Water on a range of community based activities in the Rhymney and Bargoed area.  Welsh Water is currently investing £10million to upgrade the drinking water pipes which will ensure customers will continue to receive a first class water supply for decades to come.

To mark the book’s completion, the pupils – who have now moved on to Secondary School – returned to their Primary School to receive a printed copy of the book, enjoy a live reading of the story and take part in a fun and interactive school assembly, delivered by the Welsh Water Education Team.

The children’s book is not devoid of imagination. It is the curious tale of Pirate Tim, who mysteriously ends up sailing through the sewers. On his voyage he meets mummies, astronauts and sharks – but who will help him get back to the Seven Seas?  The story wonderfully captures the 3Ps rule – only Pee, Poo and Paper down the loo, whilst also giving an interesting insight into the thought process of an eleven year old.

A pupil and co-author for the book said at the launch event: “Having worked so hard on the story, it’s really nice to return to my primary school to receive a copy the final book.  I’m really happy that so many of our ideas made it into the book and my copy is something that I will keep safe and look after until I’m old.” 

Sion Griffiths, Welsh Water’s Education and Community Manager said: “While our investment work brings benefits to customers, we also like to seek opportunities wherever we are working to deliver projects which can bring wider social benefits to a community – and this project is the perfect example of that. Of course, the stars of the show are the pupils, who worked extremely hard on the story and fully deserve the credit that they are getting today.”

“The books will eventually be sent to schools and community hubs within the project areas.  This project is a real example of organisations coming together to work with a community for the benefit of the community.”