Residents across Victoria are being reminded not everything is flushable when it comes to our septic systems.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A recent blockage in Bendigo allowed 20,000 litres of raw sewage to escape into a creek. The blockage was caused by a build-up of toilet paper and non-biodegradable 'wet wipes'.
With recent panic-purchasing of wipes and other substitutes for toilet paper, Central Highlands Water has issued a pre-emptive caution for Ballarat and regional users: only the three Ps can be flushed down the toilet - Pee, Pooh and (toilet) Paper.
CHW says while some wipes are labelled 'flushable', there is actually no such thing as a flushable wipe. Wipes do not break down like toilet paper, and can cause the creation of 'fatbergs' - giant, rancid accretions of fat, bodily waste, oils and other undissolved rubbish which cause expensive damage to our sewers.
"Wipes can cause blockages in our pipes and big problems for our sewerage system," Central Highlands Water's managing director Paul O'Donohue says.
"A blockage impacts the community and the environment and creates additional costs to clean.
"While we have had no blockages in our sewer pipes to date, we are closely monitoring the system. We thank the community for their vigilance in doing the right thing."
CHW says wipes include baby wipes and wipes for removing make-up, cleaning and personal hygiene. These items should always go in the bin. Tissues and paper towel should also go in the bin. Most of these products are designed to absorb water and don't break down the same way that toilet paper does.
What CAN I flush?
Only flush the three Ps (pee, poo and toilet paper).
Everything else should go in the rubbish bin.
What CAN'T I flush down the toilet or drain into the sink?
- Wet wipes (even if they are labelled flushable)
- Make-up wipes
- Tissues
- Paper towel
- Serviettes
- Cooking oils, fats and milk
- Food scraps, fruit labels, coffee grounds, tea leaves and cigarette butts
- Hygiene products
- Medicines
- Paint, pesticides, and garden and hazardous chemicals (garden products, nail polish and motor oil)