HOMEOWNERS are being urged to join the pump hunt.
United Utilities are asking people to help them find thousands of missing private pumping stations used for transporting waste water from homes to the nearest sewerage treatment works.
Manhole covers, metal cabinets or cupboards containing electrical equipment are usually clues that the property might have a long-forgotten pumping station.
So far, 116 of these pumps have been found in Cumbria alone.
A recent change in legislation means United Utilities will become responsible for these stations from October 2016 and the company claims it may lead to lower electricity bills.
Beverley Wilkinson, who is running the pump hunt on behalf of United Utilities, said: “It’s incredible how many of us have unexplained objects around our homes and gardens.
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“Hopefully, we can help people to get to the bottom of some of Cumbria’s household mysteries.
“Contact us if you think you have a private pumping station on your property.”
Anybody who thinks there is a private pumping station at their property should fill in a questionnaire online at www.unitedutilities.com/ppstransfer or call 0845 026 5151 and ask for the private pumping stations team.
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