Items like these disposable wipes, plus paper towel, baby wipes and napkins can not be flushed down the toilet (Photo: EverythingGP Staff)

By Shane Clausing

Aquatera

Aquatera asks customers to not flush non-flushable items down toilet

Mar 25, 2020 | 11:51 AM

Aquatera is asking its customers to not flush disposable wipes, paper towels, tissue paper and napkins down the toilet.

Aquatera says that they have noticed an uptick in these items being flushed down the toilet, as toilet paper has been hard to come by in the Peace Region because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a shortage of toilet paper and people are adapting to this by using alternatives such as paper towels, disposable wipes and napkins,” said Sarah Martin with Aquatera. “These items don’t break down like toilet paper. Septic systems were not designed to last the long-lasting effects of these items.”

Martin also warns that while it might seem like a good idea in the moment, the effects of flushing items like paper towels down the toilet could lead to costly sewage repairs in the future.

“Canadians spend over $250 million a year to clean up clogs that are caused from items like paper towels. Last year the average cost to homeowners to repair sewer backups was over $22,000 per household. It’s really quite expensive.”

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Unfortunately, there is not a perfect solution for this scenario. Aquatera suggests that non-flushable items are disposed of directly into the garbage. The utility company also suggests cloth and towels that can be washed afterward as a substitute in this situation.