Flushable Wipes
Flushable Wipes
The Truth About "Flushables" and Our Wastewater System: What You Should Know About Maintaining Your Sewers
The Environmental Services and Operations Departments have responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep of the City's sewage system: 1,697 kilometres of sanitary and storm sewers, 2 wastewater treatment plants and 45 pumping stations located throughout the City of Windsor.
Sewer back-ups are key problems that damage infrastructure and can affect public health.
Personal care products and "flushable" wipes, such as personal wipes or those used by health care workers can clog sewer lines and contribute to sewer backups. Many products labelled as flushable do not dissolve and actually damage and cause blockages in home plumbing, sewers and pumping stations when flushed. Similar to wipes, feminine hygiene products must not be flushed down the toilet. If a product does not break down as quickly as toilet paper, it may cause problems in the system.
During ongoing maintenance, if sewer issues are detected due to the presence of "flushables" or personal care products, educational information may be left at your home by City workers. Click the image below to see our door hanger:
How can you help?
The City of Windsor needs everybody to do their part to maintain the sewer system so that costly excess repairs and maintenance will not be disruptive to residents or businesses. All wipes and paper towels must be placed in the garbage for disposal. Human waste and toilet paper are the only materials that should be flushed down the toilet.
For more information on "flushable wipes," view our Flushable Wipes Brochure.