Increased flushing of wipes, paper towels causes issues in sewer systems and treatment plants

NMED NEWS

Sewer back-ups and overflows may be on the rise due to an increased use and flushing of sanitary wipes and paper towels.

Clogged sewers cause back-ups and overflows at residences, businesses and wastewater treatment facilities, creating an additional public health risk in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. These events also threaten the health of the environment and burden our communities’ wastewater utility operators.

Because they don’t break down the way toilet paper does, flushing wipes, paper towels and similar products down toilets can clog your sewer line, costing homeowners and businesses hundreds of dollars to correct. Commonly, the sewer line from the residence or business to the main sewer line is the responsibility of the property owner.

Even wipes labeled “flushable” will often clog pipes and interfere with sewage collection and wastewater treatment systems.

Don’t flush your money down the drain! Help prevent further back-ups and overflows by only flushing toilet paper and using the trashcan for other items.

DO NOT FLUSH:

• Cleaning wipes, even if the package says, “flushable.”
• Baby wipes.
• Paper towels.
• Tissues.

These items should be thrown in the trash.