The resounding effects of wipes and other non-biodegradable materials flushed down toilets into the sanitary sewer collection system has increased the workload for the Wastewater Utility staff. While many products claim to be flushable, the fact remains that they may not break down fast enough and pose clogging and backup issues in pumps and the underground network of sewer pipes servicing nearly all the Village residences and businesses. Sometimes it only takes one or two wipes to wedge into the rotating faces of a pump to cause it to fail and require staff attention, day or night. While increased cleaning intervals of pump stations helps the removal of floating debris and settled sludge deposits, many of these slow breakdown materials move directly to the pumps and can create issues during any given time. Everyone in the Village pays the cost, not just areas that issue presents itself at the time.
Sam Warp with the City of Marshfield in a collaborative effort with NPR, produced a podcast to initiate the campaign in their community (link below). It provides a great in depth view of the issues that can arise from disposal of the slow degrading wipes into the sanitary sewer collection system.
https://www.wpr.org/listen/647441
Just because they claim to be flushable does not mean that they should be flushed or disposed of into the sanitary sewer system. By joining in the initiative, not only are you helping to protect your household or your immediate neighbors from potential sewer backups, you are looking after all the Village residents that are connected to the shared network of wastewater transport pipes and pumping systems. Big picture is it takes a full community effort!
The Village of Plover Wastewater Utility staff greatly appreciates the efforts you put forth in your households and spreading the word in the simple campaign “No Wipes Down the Pipes”!