Gruesome pictures of fatbergs and other blockages have prompted a warning about what people are putting down their drains.
Photos from Winchester's sewer network have revealed the unsavoury consequence of washing away grease, oil, and food waste.
The images show just some of the blockages Southern Water has been tackling under the city's streets in recent days.
The utility company launched a major investigation after sewage burst through several drains following heavy rainfall at the start of the month.
READ MORE: Protesters don poo outfits to send message to Southern Water
Shoppers were forced to sidestep human excrement for the second time this year as residents, business owners, and civic chiefs called for urgent action.
An overground pump has since been installed in Little Minster Street while teams equipped with CCTV cameras explore the extent of the issue.
Workers managed to move the equipment to allow for the Winchester Bonfire procession to continue as planned.
However, the delivery of Winchester's iconic 38ft Christmas tree was delayed on Monday because of the ongoing operation.
Alex Saunders, head of wastewater networks at Southern Water, said: "We are pressing ahead with repairs of the sewer in central Winchester after clearing out several blockages on Friday and over the weekend. We know that the Christmas tree unveiling is an important event in the city and we would like to thank both Winchester BID and Winchester City Council for supporting these repairs.
“We are working as hard as possible to mend the sewer and would like to thank businesses and residents for their patience and understanding during this time.
“Christmas is a time when fatbergs and fat are a common problem in the sewer network, and in this case, we discovered large amounts of fat blocking the sewer among the issues we have encountered, we’d like people to help us battle blockages by making simple changes like putting all food waste in the bin rather than down the sink.”
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel