Sewer blockages increase during March and April

The figures for May, however, appear to be steady compared to the same time last year.

“These blockages are caused by non-flushable items in the system, for example when wet wipes — including those labelled ‘flushable’ — paper towel, tissues or sanitary items are flushed down the toilet, and they get caught on tree roots, in pump stations or combine with fats and oils to create large fatbergs,” Goulburn Valley Water operations manager Steven Nash said.

“When we see an increase in blockages, it means our operational and maintenance teams are pulled away from other critical and priority works to repair blockages in the sewer mains or pump stations.

“These blockages can cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to remove, and that money and time could be better spent elsewhere.”

Water Services Association of Australia is backing the call to flush only the three Ps, with executive director Adam Lovell saying Woolworths supermarkets had joined the campaign and put messaging in store to remind customers to flush only toilet paper.

“We know that practising good hygiene is extremely important at this time; however, wet wipes, paper towel and tissues can create ‘fatbergs’, which result in blockages in the wastewater system and extra costs for water utilities and customers,” Mr Lovell said.

“We want our water utilities focused on providing the essential services we need right now — like high-quality drinking water for handwashing.”

For more information, visit www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/community/education/dont-flush-it

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