Don’t Flush Wipes, Protect Your Pipes!

By the Fort McDowell Environmental Department

“Flushable wipes” have become more popular in households within the FMYN community. The problem is that Flushable Wipes are not really “flushable”. “Flushable Wipes” do not fully break down. Flushing these wipes can directly lead to sewage problems and recently there has been an increase in reports of sewage collection backups and leaks in septic systems. Often broken pumps and pipes are beyond repair, leading to replacement which is costly for the Nation.

Wastewater sewage that is produced by community residents and visitors enters a collection system (pipes). These pipes are utilized everyday when the toilet, dishwasher, sink, shower, and garbage disposal are used. Generally, if it has a drain… IT GOES INTO THE WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM. Rags, pharmaceuticals, plastics, metals, napkins, cooking oils, kitty litter, gas, diapers, etc. put stress on the collection system causing backups and clogs. Drains and toilets should not be used as a trashcan or throwaway bin. When sewage problems arise, they can lead to various public health issues such as disease spreading bacteria, viruses, and spreading pollutants to the groundwater causing contamination. Please do your part and don’t overthink it, the only thing that should be flushed is human waste and toilet paper.