LEXINGTON, Kentucky — As many Lexington residents are having a hard time finding toilet paper, many people are relying on alternatives such as baby wipes, flushable wipes and paper towels. Lexington's Division of Water Quality is reminding everyone that these items do not break down and can cause problems in the home and in city sewers.
Rod Chervus, the Collections and Conveyance Manager for Water Quality says, "Even if the package says 'flushable,' please don't flush any wipes. Especially right now, when lots of people are using flushable wipes, it's important to dispose of them correctly.”
So far, Officials say there hasn't been an increase in wipes tangling up in the pump station equipment. Water Quality Officials want to remind everyone that items other than toilet paper and human waste can clog household pipes, leading to a visit from a plumber.
They say other common bathroom items that cause problems in the sewer are: bleach wipes, baby wipes, floss, flossing picks, feminine hygiene products, rags and paper towels.
Lexington's division of Water Quality released a video demonstration of why toilet paper is safe to flush, while wipes and paper towels are not. Click here to watch.
