The message is clear: don’t treat your toilet like a trash can.
Municipal sewer systems are only designed for human waste and toilet paper, not wipes and other solids.
Anything else – even so-called ‘flushable’ items like wipes – can cause big problems in municipal systems that lead to clogs, blockages, and damage to wastewater equipment.
All of those scenarios can significantly interrupt a sewer system, according to a City of Chilliwack notice. With a huge increase in the use of disinfectant wipes, and gloves, because of COVID-19, it’s a timely reminder.
“At this time, when we are working diligently to ensure essential municipal services remain available to residents, a blockage like this would cause a significant and unnecessary strain on resources,” according to a city bulletin.
“Before you flush, remember that toilets are not trash cans and responsibly dispose of your wipes and other non-flushable items.”
There are more details on the Metro Vancouver’s ‘The Unflushables‘ campaign website, explaining what can’t be flushed and why, or by contacting the city’s operations department at operations@chilliwack.com or 604-793-2810.
READ MORE: These reminders are popping up everywhere
READ MORE: Efforts to avoid the ‘unflushables’ in Metro Van
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