LOCAL

Toilet paper alternatives clogging sewer systems; don't flush even 'flushable' wipes

Cheryl Smith
Treasure Coast Newspapers

Wastewater treatment plants are getting clogged with toilet paper alternatives that people are using during the coronavirus epidemic, predominately from apartments.

Wipes, tissues, napkins and paper towels are designed to be durable and not break down like toilet paper, so you never should flush them.

Even so-called "flushable" wipes can clog septic and sewer systems, but makers are allowed to call them that because they will flush down your toilet bowl.

After testing the four leading flushable wipes, Consumer Reports found it took 12 hours for Scotts and Cottonelle to break down, but Charmin and Equate never did, even after 10 minutes in a mixer.

"Even though the package may state 'flushable,' these items do not break down like toilet paper and create plumbing problems for the resident and utility companies," says a Facebook post on the page for St. Lucie County, which hasn't experienced any problems and wants to keep it that way.

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Toilet paper alternatives, namely wipes, are clogging wastewater treatment systems.

But problems have increased in Indian River County and Port St. Lucie.

"Our Utilities Department has noticed an increase in required maintenance of the wastewater pumps, which is likely attributed to people flushing things that shouldn’t be flushed," Indian River County spokesperson Brian Sullivan told TCPalm. "We are seeing more of these problems in systems coming from apartment-style residences rather than single-family homes."  

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The wrong paper products can attach to solids and clog the gravity system on their way to the pump stations, which causes backups of the pump stream, he said. If they reach the collector, they can wrap around the impeller and bind it up.

"This is akin to seaweed getting caught around your boat propeller," Sullivan said.

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A Port St. Lucie wastewater treatment worker removes a mat of toilet paper alternatives, namely wipes, that are clogging the system.

Crews have had to shut down the system to fish out the paper more often than usual, which has negative effects on finances, service and the environment, he said.

"It (the cost) could be as simple as a couple hours for a mechanic to get there to shut down the pump and get the debris out. If the entire pump needs to be replaced, the cost would be much higher and would depend on the size of the pump," Sullivan said.

Always throw wipes away, pleads a Port St. Lucie Facebook post.

"Septic tanks, grinder or STEP systems, and gravity systems are all susceptible to clogs and backups because of wipes," it says. "Please help us maintain the integrity of our sewer system and always throw wipes away, even if they say 'flushable.' ”

Americans aren't accustomed to throwing used toilet paper and alternatives in the trash, but it's common practice in many countries throughout the world. Officials urge people to do so, especially during the coronavirus epidemic.

 Martin County has not responded to TCPalm's questions posed March 27.

Enterprise and Investigations Editor Cheryl Smith focuses on local environment, politics and community news. Support her work with a TCPalm subscription. Contact her at cheryl.smith@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1331 or @TCPalmCheryl on Twitter and Facebook.