"Flushable wipes" are marketed as a convenient alternative to toilet paper. While some people appreciate their comfort and convenience, their disposal can cause significant problems for both homeowners and the community.

Though flushable wipes do go down the toilet, they are not biodegradable and are not suitable for sewer systems. Here's why:

• Blockages: Wipes combine with fat, grease, and oil, leading to sewer blockages known as fatbergs.

• Sewer Main Issues: Wipes can lodge in the sewer main, obstructing flow.

• Pump Damage: Wipes can clog pumps at lift stations, causing them to burn out.

To prevent these issues, it's essential to dispose of wipes in the trash rather than flushing them down the toilet.

Sewer backups are costly and time-consuming. If a blockage occurs in a service line, the homeowner bears the repair costs. If it's in a public main, taxpayers ultimately cover the expense.

Please do NOT flush the following items:

• Wipes (baby or adult)

• Feminine hygiene products

• Cotton balls or swabs

• Dental floss

• Paper towels

• Tissue

• Medications

• Plastic packaging

• Cigarette butts

By disposing of these items properly, you can help prevent fatbergs and costly sewer backups.