Have you ever flushed a wet wipe down the toilet? The wipes are a billion-dollar industry, but wastewater experts say flushing them is causing sewage back-ups and a multi-million-dollar mess. Wastewater experts say unless it’s toilet paper, you shouldn’t flush it down, begging people to stop flushing wet wipes, even if manufacturers say it’s safe.
Sewer system experts aren’t convinced “flushable wipes” break down fast enough to prevent problems.
What would you see right here it’s a common typical everyday scenario as you can see a lot of baby wipes,” said Colorado Springs Utilities Wastewater Operator Chris Fernandez. “Flushable wipes, toys, plastics anything that somebody would throw in a toilet it’s going to come here.”
Fernandez is a wastewater operator at a Colorado Springs facility that treats more than 30 million gallons of wastewater each day.
For years, wastewater companies have tried to educate the public about the problem. Now, new technology is helping to hold those who flush wipes accountable.
“You know if there’s a stoppage we’ll get it investigated and then you know there could be a lot of ramifications for whoever is flushing these wipes down the drain if we can show a tap where it’s coming from a business or residence then you know could be a lot of legal right ramifications for them,” said Colorado Springs Utilities Operations Supervisor Dave Dunlap.
Using robotic cameras, Colorado Springs Utilities crews get a glimpse into the sewer lines, pinpointing who is causing problems for the city’s wastewater system.
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