Artist: Salina Somalya, Smelly Jelly

'Misconnections' happen when pipes carrying waste water from sinks, baths, showers, washing machines and even toilets are mistakenly connected to surface water sewers which should only carry storm water and can overflow into local rivers and streams.

Research shows this may be a particular risk in Dawlish and Teignmouth and South West Water is using its sponsorship of this year's TRAIL environmental art sculpture exhibition on the coast path to highlight the problem and other simple steps customers can take to avoid pollution and save water.

TRAIL, now in its sixth year, has been commended for the unique way that it uses artworks made from recycled materials to promote environmental messages to the thousands of visitors who walk the path.

South West Water Chief Executive Chris Loughlin said: "Over the last 20 years we have invested £2 billion in our Clean Sweep programme to clean up the region's bathing waters.

"Protecting the region's unique environment in the future will be everyone's responsibility, so making people aware of how they can minimise risks to water quality – such as correcting any misconnections - is crucial."

TRAIL organiser Liz Lockyear added: "It is important for an event which promotes environmental issues to be backed by an organisation with corresponding views. South West Water actively encourages conservation and implements policies that clean and protect Devon's coastlines and bathing water."

This summer's TRAIL is underway and will run until 5 September. From 8 August, the gallery exhibition will also open at a number of locations in Teignmouth and members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite sculpture.

The winners of the Artist, People's Choice and Community Awards will be announced on 31 August and 1 September. South West Water will be offering a £1,000 prize and trophy for the artwork which best encourages responsible environmental action.

ENDS