Despite what the labeling may claim, items like ‘flushable’ wet wipes are creating chaos within the town’s sewer system. Yes, they may go down easily when you flush, but cleaning wet wipes, baby wipes and paper towels do not decompose easily.
The fiber materials used in these products do not breakdown once in the sewer system and are causing serious problems in the underground pipes, wastewater pump stations, and related equipment.
Please dispose of wet wipes, baby wipes and paper towels in the trash.
With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Narragansett Wastewater Department has seen a huge increase in wipe-related clogged pumps and emergency calls. Flushable Wipes and paper towels has had the town’s wastewater crew working continuously at the Congdon Street Pump Station. Wipes are believed to have been the main cause of the recent pump failures at the station. The total cost to the Town of Narragansett to repair the station due to the wipes is now estimated at $10,000. A recent blockage of a section of the town’s wastewater collections system and clogged pumps at Sprague Bridge, Mumford and Ouida Street pump stations have all been determined to be caused by “Flushable Wipes”.
At this critical time when we are all trying to protect each other from this dangerous COVID-19 virus let’s all do are part to help protect our hard-working town employees who are trying to keep things flowing for you.
Please dispose of wet wipes, baby wipes and paper towels in the trash.