It's William and Emily here today, talking about Wessex Water.

The other day I, William, went to Louds Mill in Dorchester to find out where our sewage goes.

A few of us at People First Dorset organised it, as a rekkie, so we could see what it’s like and decide if we plan a trip for other members.

We split into two groups, and were with Wessex Water employees George and Liam. First we saw the primary tanks, where sewage arrives at the plant.

The water that arrives comes from loos, taps, baths, kitchen sinks, drains, overflow, rain and other places where you might find water.

It then goes through a series of systems to filter out the dirty water, bacteria and rubbish – before it goes to the settlement tank.

Here there is a lot of moss which helps get rid of the bad bacteria. The very final stage is where the clean water goes back into the river, and can be used for hose pipes, but not drinking water.

We were amazed to learn that this plant processes almost 300 litres of water per second. George and Liam have both worked at Wessex Water for several years, and they were both very knowledgeable about what goes on.

They were also fun to talk to. They said the biggest problem with loos is people putting wet wipes and ladies’ sanitary products down the loos, because they do not break down and clog the processes. So please dispose of them properly. It will help make our water better and might even reduce your water bill!

I, Emily, hope another visit is planned as I’d like to go, and think it would be very interesting.

* The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by The Friendship Club– a project for adults with learning disabilities, run by People First Dorse