Chesapeake In The Know

I recently got an update from the Public Utilities Department about an issue they continue to see at pump stations throughout the City. Luckily, it’s completely preventable but we need your help!  Our pump stations are getting clogged up with unflushable items, particularly “flushable” wipes.

The term “flushable” is not regulated so companies use it as a marketing technique, even though it’s not true. There is not a single “flushable” wipe on the market. Wipes do major damage to the sewer system because the do not disintegrate. 

It’s easy to brush this off as “not my problem” because when we’re lucky, we flush and everything disappears. However, it can very quickly become your problem, and an expensive one at that. You own the portion of your wastewater system that goes from your house to the street so if a clog forms in that section, it’s on you. Also, major clogs can happen throughout the system and repairs can be costly. Ultimately, that cost will get passed down to the consumer.

Please don’t use your toilet as a trash can. It is only designed to handle your personal business and toilet paper.