Water Sector News
A snapshot of clean water stories from publications around the country, updated daily!
Wipes causing more blockage in sewage lines in Springfield
The coronavirus pandemic has us all cleaning a bit more. However, not disposing of wipes correctly has led to another problem in Springfield’s sewage line. Brian Wirth, the Superintendent of Clean Water Services, said, “We’ve seen an increase in pumps getting clogged.”
Paper towels, wipes, and Kleenex do not dissolve in water. Instead, they flow from your home through Springfield’s sewage line. Clogging the pipes as they go. Throw everything away unless it is toilet paper.
“They’ll just remain as they are in the water. And once you get to a bottleneck or a pump, they’ll form a big ball and clog everything up,” Wirth said.
“We’ve seen an increase in having to respond to lift stations, pumps getting clogged, Since the start of the pandemic,” Wirth said.
All the wipes that you flush down the toilet end up at the Southwest Treatment Plant for filtering. Screens catch some of the wipes.
“It’ll end up at each step of the treatment process,” Wirth said.