Water Sector News
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Think those wipes are flushable? Think again
The effects of toilet paper hoarding and stay-at-home requirements are starting to hit Pennsylvania’s bottom line — and it’s leading to sewage system damage.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is seeing increased reports of clogged sewer system equipment related to non-flushable materials since the state enacted its stay-at-home order last month.
Items that need to stay out of the toilets include toilet paper alternatives such as napkins and facial tissues, as well as single-use wipes and paper products labeled as flushable or biodegradable, according to the state agency. They are made of materials that don’t break down easily like the often hard-to-find toilet paper.
Sewage treatment facilities have been dealing with an increase in non-flushable materials clogging filters and wastewater management system equipment since the beginning of the stay-at-home orders in March.