Water Sector News
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Flushed Wipes Block Pipes, Forces Sewage Backup Into Maryland Homes
Nov 30, 2021
https://www.eyeonannapolis.net/2021/11/flushed-wipes-block-pipes-forces-sewage-backup-into-maryland-homes/
Last year, employees at the largest wastewater facility of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Water, which serves about 1.8 million people in Maryland suburbs, removed 700 tons of wipes from their sewerage system. According to the Washington Post, this figure marks a 100-ton increase from 2019. WSSC Water spokeswoman Lynn Riggins said, “It started in March last year and it hasn’t eased up.”
Last year, employees at the largest wastewater facility of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Water, which serves about 1.8 million people in Maryland suburbs, removed 700 tons of wipes from their sewerage system. According to the Washington Post, this figure marks a 100-ton increase from 2019. WSSC Water spokeswoman Lynn Riggins said, “It started in March last year and it hasn’t eased up.”
As more people are sanitizing doorknobs and countertops, more wipes are being flushed carelessly. People are also tossing latex gloves and paper masks into toilets, and they end up in storm drains, damaging sewer equipment, forcing raw sewage back into homes, and polluting rivers. They also cause massive fatbergs that can create tons of problems for communities and the environment. If you’re like many homeowners, you’re probably wondering, what causes fatbergs? Is there a way to prevent fatbergs? Below are a few things about fatbergs and what can be done to prevent them, including the importance of maintaining a healthy septic system in your home.