United Utilities are facing a backlog of over 100 call outs a week - and the bottom line is that more and more folk are blocking the sewers by NOT using toilet paper.
Kitchen roll and - in Liverpool at least a certain tabloid newspaper - were mentioned by a UU worker whose colleagues are working overtime to keep the sewers clear in Liverpool, west Lancs. and Sefton.
He explained why kitchen roll's much more absorbent and swells, while papers like The Sun are no substitute for biodegradable loo roll.
"Given its reputation in Liverpool though I can see why it's so popular in the bathroom," he added.