Disinfecting wipes have been in high demand due to COVID-19, but they shouldn't be flushed. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Don't flush wipes

Don’t flush your disinfecting wipes: City of Melfort

Mar 19, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The packages may say “flushable” but that isn’t the case for so-called flushable wipes according to the city.

With the COVID-19 pandemic leading to increased diligence when it comes to cleanliness, the City of Melfort is reminding residents to avoid flushing disinfecting — and all other — wipes.

“Often, these wipes may even say on the container that they can be flushed, but they are not flushable,” Director of Development, Planning and Community Relations Brent Lutz told northeastNOW.

Lutz said flushing items like tissues, paper towel, feminine products, or disinfecting wipes can plug the city’s pumping lift stations, which could lead to pump failure and sewer backups.

He said city staff is busy managing many of the other issues surrounding COVID-19, and they want to keep them available for those tasks.

Significant snow

Winter Storm Warning issued for northeast as heavy snow, strong wind expected

1h ago

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

23h ago

Riderville

Shades of 2007

Nov 15, 2024

The city has had issues with flushed wipes in the past, according to Lutz.

“We just recognize that people are using these more and more, and if our sewage system was merely only gravity-fed, it possibly wouldn’t be a problem,” Lutz said. “But in our community, we have a series of, I believe, over a dozen lift stations throughout the community.”

He said the wipes could lead to sewer backups for not only your property, but perhaps your neighbours as well.

“The only product that’s safe to flush in your toilet is toilet paper, because it dissolves when it gets in water. Any other product, if you put it in the sewage system, can be a problem for the sewage pumps,” Lutz said.

Lutz also emphasized the importance of residents to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying home if possible and avoiding all social interactions to avoid spreading the virus around the community.

–

cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974