Officials focus on sewer lines, wastewater

Officials focus on sewer lines, wastewater

DUNDEE--As local stores have run low or out of toilet paper due to community concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), local officials are warning about the dangers of flushing alternative products and entering them into sewer pipes.
Howard Sautter, chief operator of the Dundee wastewater treatment plant and Nathan Buckley, deputy superintendent of public works warned village residents about risks of flushing disposable wipes into sewer pipes, Friday, March 13.
"Disposable wipes do not disintegrate in water as quickly as toilet paper and can get caught on roots or debris in pipes, causing blockages and overflows," a joint statement read. "Even wipes labeled 'flushable' can clog sewer pipes, requiring residents to call a plumber for assistance when sewage overflows into yards and living spaces. In addition, wipes can cause great damage to the village's wastewater treatment equipment when the clog reaches the facility."
To prevent clogged pipes and sewage overflows, the village of Dundee wastewater treatment plant encourages residents to throw disposable wipes, cloth, rags or diapers into the trash and to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.