Keep our Sewers Healthy and Flowing 

Proper disposal of household items is essential to keeping the sewer system running smoothly. Many products — such as baby wipes, “flushable” wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene items — do not break down like toilet paper. When flushed, they can clog pipes, damage equipment, and cause sewer backups in both private homes and the Village’s infrastructure.

Why Can't I Flush "Flushable" Wipes?

The marketing of products claiming to be “flushable” is technically accurate – you can flush them down the toilet. But this is when the trouble starts. These wipes, along with other household products marketed as disposable or flushable, DO NOT break down in the sanitary sewer system, but DO clog your interior plumbing, your service line, sewer mains, pump stations, and screens at the Water Reclamation Center where the sewer water is treated. 

Often times these clogs occur in a home or business’ private sewer service line which connects to the public sewer system. This private connection is the home or business owner’s responsibility to keep clear in order to avoid wastewater back-up. If the private sewer service line becomes blocked, it can leave the owner with a hefty repair bill.  If the lift station pumps become fully clogged, homes in the area will experience sewage backups. 

What Should I NOT Flush?

To help save you and the sewer utility from these repair and replacement costs, please DO NOT flush any consumer item that is not toilet paper.

Additional Resources:

• EPA- How to Care for Your Septic System
• Conservation Foundation Flyer- Clogged Pipes & Increased Disinfectant Use