‘Wipes Clog Sewer Pipes,’ Reminds Environmental Services Department

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

The Environmental Services Department would like to warn Arcata residents about risks of flushing disposable wipes into sewer pipes.

Thirty percent of sewage overflows in Arcata last year were caused by residents flushing disposable wipes, such as sanitary wipes, baby wipes or household cleaning wipes, down the toilet.

Disposable wipes do not disintegrate in water as quickly as toilet paper and can get caught on roots or debris in pipes, causing blockages and overflows. Even wipes labeled “flushable” can clog sewer pipes, requiring residents to call a plumber for assistance when sewage overflows into yards and living spaces.

In addition, wipes can cause great damage to the City’s wastewater treatment equipment when the clog reaches the facility.

To prevent clogged pipes and sewage overflows, the Environmental Services Department encourages residents to throw disposable wipes, cloth, rags or diapers into the trash and to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.

For more information, please call (707) 822-8184.