Coronavirus: Toilet Paper Panic Trickle-Down Effect

With toilet paper in short supply due to the panic buying in response to COVID-19, some researchers warn there’s a risk that toilet paper alternatives such as wet wipes, napkins and thicker paper towels may lead to another major “monster” waste issue. Since supermarket shelves are wiped bare of toilet paper, and napkin aisles fast emptying as well, water infrastructure experts fear that the use of toilet paper alternatives such as wet wipes, napkins and thicker paper could lead to major blockages in our sewage systems.

The wastewater treatment plant operator has seen a recent massive surge in non-flushables entering the plant from residents. These products can create blockages of fat, sanitary items, and wet wipes that block pipes and pumps and cause an added expense to remove, including sewer back-ups at your home.

Please do your part to protect our sewer pipes – do not flush wipes, napkins, or paper towels; properly disposing of them by throwing them in the trash.