The world is doing everything it can right now to stay germ-free and healthy, and one step many Americans are taking in the fight against COVID-19 is purchasing an abundance of disinfecting wipes to rid any and all surfaces of potential viruses. NPR reported in early March that Clorox, a leading manufacturer of these now highly coveted cleaning products, is experiencing “an all-time high” in its stock price, and this stock price continues to soar. However, America is now undergoing a serious strain on our wastewater treatment systems, as many users of these wipes are flushing them down toilets instead of disposing them in the trash.
Most of these “flushable” wipes are comprised of materials, such as plastics or regenerated cellulose, that do not break down once they enter the water, causing a dangerous build up of clogging agents that force wastewater treatment operators to locate the matter, sometimes referred to as “fatbergs,” and manually remove it. Wastewater treatment operators on a national scale have been reporting significant issues at their treatment plants. The New York Times highlighted a hashtag developed by these operators and wastewater officials to warn consumers against this damaging behavior: #WipesClogPipes.
The strain on wastewater treatment plants caused by these “flushable” wipes is occurring here in the Hudson Valley as well. On March 24, the Village of Cold Spring asked residents on their Facebook page to stop flushing “disinfectant and baby wipes down the toilet” as this “increases the risk of clogged sewer pipes and septic tanks.” MidHudson News similarly published an article warning residents in Poughkeepsie to use “caution when flushing items down toilets,” as products like paper towels, napkins, wet wipes/baby wipes, and facial tissues will clog local sewer lines and “cause backups in your home or business.” The New York Times speculates that we are seeing this upsurge in residents flushing wipes because of the limits COVID-19 has caused on the availability of toilet paper.
What are the ultimate consequences of flushing wipes beyond causing major headaches for plumbers and wastewater treatment operators? An article recently released by CNN consults California’s Water Resources Control Board who warns, “Flushing wipes, paper towels and similar products down toilets will clog sewers and cause backups and overflows at wastewater treatment facilities, creating an additional public health risk in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.”
If you are flushing your wipes down the toilet because your household strives to produce as little waste as possible, wastewater treatment officials and operators want you to know that forcing them down the pipes is simply not the solution. Perhaps search for wipes comprised of sustainable alternatives that will not leave you feeling guilty for disposing of them in the trash, or douse used rags in a natural disinfecting spray and launder promptly after use. The CDC offers an extensive list of products that will adequately fight against COVID-19.
Remember, an important way we can all stay safe and healthy is to ensure our pipes and wastewater treatment systems are staying safe and healthy, as well. #WipesClogPipes!
Ted Taylor has joined p+d as a civil engineer. Ted brings with him over three years of civil engineering and construction inspection experience, and he previously worked with the firm’s principals for two years at another firm. We asked Ted to share his thoughts on p+d, engineering and future goals.
