As Winnie-the-Pooh celebrates his 100th birthday, NI Water is looking back at the day one unfortunate bear found himself a long way from the Hundred Acre Wood – lodged in a sewer in Ballymoney!

The first Winnie-the-Pooh book by A. A. Milne was published on 14 October 1926.

82 years later in 2008, NI Water employees responding to a reported sewer blockage encountered “pooh” of a very different kind. A Winnie-the-Pooh soft toy had become wedged inside the pipe in Ballymoney.

It took two hours to remove the toy, who just had to ‘grin and bear it’, and complete the clean-up operation.

As Winnie-the-Pooh celebrates his 100th birthday, NI Water is looking back at the day one unfortunate bear found himself a long way from the Hundred Acre Wood – lodged in a sewer in Ballymoney.

placeholder image — As Winnie-the-Pooh celebrates his 100th birthday, NI Water is looking back at the day one unfortunate bear found himself a long way from the Hundred Acre Wood – lodged in a sewer in Ballymoney.

While the discovery raised a smile, NI Water reminded the public that sewer blockages can have serious consequences for homes, communities and the environment.

Wastewater pipes serving residential properties can be as narrow as 10cms and are designed to carry only the three Ps – pee, poo and toilet paper.

NI Water education officer Pat McCauley said: “Winnie-the-Pooh may have made it out of this particular sticky situation, but items that are flushed or put down drains can cause significant problems.

“Blocked sewers can lead to wastewater flooding in homes and streets, create a risk of pollution and require considerable time and resources to clear.

“The message is simple: only flush the three Ps – pee, poo and toilet paper. Wipes, sanitary products and all other household waste should always be placed in the bin.

"Soft toys should, of course, stay safely above ground.”

Further advice on preventing blockages is available at www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/bag-it-and-bin-it.