Don't Flush Us
“Flushable” Wipes Aren’t Flushable
Toilets and sewer systems are designed to handle pee, poo, and toilet paper. Wipes labelled “flushable” or “biodegradable” don’t break down like toilet paper and end up clogging our sewers and your pipes.
When you flush your toilet it goes to your neighbourhood pump station. The station has pumps that move sewage from your neighbourhood to the regional wastewater treatment plant. The flushing of “flushable” wipes are increasing pump station maintenance.
Clogs increase operations and maintenance costs and can lead to raw sewage overflows into the environment. Don’t flush them, put them in the garbage.
Wipes may be the biggest offender, but they aren’t the only unflushable product.
For the health of our sewer system and the environment, never flush :
- Baby wipes and flushable wipes
- Paper towels
- Tampons & applicators
- Condoms
- Dental Floss
- Hair
- Fats, Oils, and Grease
- Medications
- Vitamins & supplements
What is the City doing to prevent clogs?
The City has increased preventative maintenance on the sanitary sewer system by 50 percent, as part of the City's overall asset management program. The intent of preventative maintenance is to reduce reactive repairs, such as clogs and overflows. This reduces risk and liability, and helps provide safe and efficient service. Learn more about asset management in the City of Courtenay
External resources and information:
Metro Vancouver: The Unflushables
CBC News, April 4, 2019: Spoiler Alert: those flushable wipes aren't flushable
Bloomberg News, March 14, 2019: In Fatberg Fight, NYC Goes to War Against Flushable Wipes
Questions?
Please contact City of Courtenay Public Works Services at 250-338-1525.