The value of water is undeniable.

This World Water Day – Wednesday, March 22 – there will be a focus on waste water.

It is anticipated this focus will provide a timely reminder for residents to think about where the water goes after pulling the kitchen sink plug, or what happens to shower water after it flows down the drain.

Muswellbrook Shire Council is responsible for the local drinking water supply, and treatment of waste - including waste water from toilets, showers, baths, laundries and kitchen sinks.

“Whatever is sent through a pipe in your house needs to be treated by council before it is reused or released,” council’s water sustainability officer Nelson Burand-Hicks said.

“Seemingly small actions like tipping the leftover oil in a fry pan down the sink, or leaving food scraps in the mix, can add up to large consequences which need to be corrected later on in the system.

“It’s easy to find local examples of waste water systems struggling with various things entering the system.

“In early 2016 a blockage from wet wipes weighing close to a tonne was removed from the sewage system of Hunter Water.

“Council is encouraging residents to be mindful about what they’re tipping and flushing down the drain on World Water Day and help us take care of our precious natural resource.”

For more information, contact council’s sustainability team on 6549 3700.