Photos shared to social media show apparent sewage and toilet paper strewn near manhole openings near Crosshouse.
A post on the Crosshouse Neighbours’ Placemaking Group read: “These sewer manholes cover a large area, so this raw sewage is not confined to a small section.
“The sewer pipe across the water is what connects the west side of the village to the mains sewers. The very first manhole it connects to is surrounded by raw sewage.”
Toilet paper and waste appears to be spilled near a manhole. (Image: Crosshouse Neighbours’ Placemaking Group/Facebook)
Scottish Water said they understood public concerns about “potential sewage pollution” and said a full clean-up would take place on Monday.
Multiple photos reviewed by The Herald showed trails of toilet paper leading toward the Carmel Waters burn.
The post added: “This human waste pollution is not just causing concern across these fields.
“It’s affecting the water course of Carmel Waters, which from here goes downriver, through farmlands and the village towards Irvine. So many other people and animals are at risk.”
Another resident told The Herald that the mess was “vile” and a “public health risk”.
The toilet paper appears to led to the Carmel Water. (Image: Crosshouse Neighbours’ Placemaking Group/Facebook)
A Scottish Water spokesperson said that they were informed about a possible surcharging manhole in Irvine around 5.00am on Thursday.
“A Scottish Water operator attended with our contractors the same day and discovered a choked sewer,” they added.
“The choke was cleared and it appears to have been caused by a blockage of fats, oils and grease (FOG) and rags that have wrongly entered the sewer network.
“Once cleared, the sewer network and surrounding infrastructure was running as normal.
Read more:
“A full clean up of the area will be carried out on Monday, 2 March and CCTV of the sewers affected is being scheduled to ensure there are no further potential blockages.
“We understand the public’s concern around any potential sewage pollution and we would like to reassure that we will do all we can to ensure the area is cleaned up.
The spokesperson said that millions of pounds are spent on clearing chokes each year.
They added: “We would urge everyone to remember to only flush the 3Ps, pee, poo and (toilet) paper, and that fats, oils and grease should never be poured down the sink, but disposed of safely in the bin.”
