Wet wipes block pumps and pipes

Monday, November 18th, 2024

South Gippsland Water is committed to raising awareness about the impact wet wipes have on the sewerage system and environment.

Wipe-related blockages, often referred to as wipe balls or fat bergs, cost South Gippsland Water more than $50,000 a year. They cause damage to pipe networks and pumps, and impact on wastewater treatment once sewerage arrives at the treatment plant.

Wet wipes are great for cleaning sticky hands, grubby faces and messy bottoms, but put simply, wipes block pipes.

“Even though many brands have been marketed as ‘flushable’ or ‘biodegradable’, unlike toilet paper, wipes are slow to break down,” explained South Gippsland Water Managing Director, Robert Murphy.

“They have the potential to get caught up with a range of other solids in your pipes, form blockages and cause expensive problems both at your end of the pipe and ours.”

Ultimately, customers pay for the provision of sewer services and increased blockages drive up the cost of delivering reliable wastewater services.

“We’re appealing to people to help us prevent sewer blockages and potential damage to the environment by not flushing wet wipes, baby wipes, hygiene wipes, cleaning wipes, paper towel or fats and oils,” Mr Murphy said.

“Everything that goes down the kitchen, laundry and bathroom sink, or is flushed down the toilet ends up in the sewerage system. Building awareness around the impacts of wet wipes and other non-degradable materials on the sewer system is important to help prevent environmental and property damage resulting from blockages and spills.”

The South Gippsland Water Maintenance Team works hard to keep the sewerage system moving, but we need the community’s help to stick to the 3P’s – Pee, Poo and (Toilet) Paper. Everything else should go in the bin.

“Wipes are a handy product,” said Mr Murphy, “but remember, no matter what it says on the packaging, bin them, don’t flush them.”

For more information, including handy tips and do’s and don’ts, visit the South Gippsland Water website https://www.sgwater.com.au/services/wastewater/caring-for-our-sewers/