There’s a quack in our pipe

Finding unwelcome blockages in sewers is all in a day’s work for our staff, but our experienced engineers were surprised to come face to face with a ‘fowl’ sewer during recent routine investigations in Bristol.

Environment and Flooding Protection team members surveying a sewer got a little more than they bargained for as they operated a robotic camera along an underground pipe near Frenchay.

As the equipment remotely negotiated its way through the sewer that carries rainwater underground, it intercepted a lone duck waddling around inside.

The avian intruder, who was believed to be on the hunt for algae to eat, was spotted offering a quizzical look straight down the lens, before retreating, having apparently wandered into the pipe from a nearby access point.

The team made sure their new feathered friend could safely leave the pipe unharmed and continue on its way.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Our survey teams have come across a variety of blockages when regularly inspecting our foul and rainwater sewers – but this was one of the more unusual ones.

“It’s often masses of wet wipes that are discovered, which cause blockages that can put homes and the environment at risk of pollution.

“In this case however, it was more of a moving impediment and, thankfully, our team were able to help the duck back above ground safely and none the worse for her escapade.’’