City of Moultrie says: ‘If it’s not toilet paper, don’t flush it’

MOULTRIE Popular pre-moistened toweletts that are often advertised as flushable are creating clogs and backups in sewer systems around the nation. Moultrie is now facing obstacles because of these wipes, according to city officials.

This problem has increasingly over the past five years become a major issue for our Moultrie sewer system, Utilities Director Roger King said.

Just as disposable diapers are now considered a necessity, wet wipes have become essentials in the average parents arsenal, the city said in a press release. But the popularity of these one-time-use items isnt limited to infant backsides. Special-use wipes are being marketed for make-up removal, pet owners, day care centers, rest homes, computer users and the list goes on. Antibacterial wipes are available to clean just about every surface, from hands to grimy floors and bathroom mirrors.

A lot of them end up down the toilet, and the city said few are flushable. Well, they flush just fine, but the cloth like products dont disintegrate the way toilet paper does. Thats where it starts to cost The City of Moultrie money and ultimately all citizens.

Our lift stations are plugged up about once a week, King said. It has just cost us $18,000 to repair a piece of equipment due to these wipes. King said he has seen this problem increase 5 percent each year.

The city said its residents need to realize while companies may say their wipes are safe for sewers and septic, they do not break up like toilet paper. Wipes not only affect the city sewer system but it can also ruin septic tanks.

If its not toilet paper, dont flush it, King said.

Other common items that should not be flushed into the sewer system:

Medications (could end up in drinking water).

Plastic objects.

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City of Moultrie says: 'If it's not toilet paper, don't flush it'