Geelong sewer blockages increased 50 per cent in the past five weeks as residents flushed wet wipes and paper towel down the dunny amid coronavirus toilet paper shortages.
The increase in blockages at house connections to the sewerage network prompted Barwon Water to again urge its customers to only flush toilet paper.
“Toilets and drains are not rubbish bins and are not designed to handle anything that doesn’t break down in the sewerage system like toilet paper,” Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said.
“When people flush things like wet wipes, tissues, paper towel, let alone other rubbish and scraps, it causes blockages that can lead to sewage spilling into streets and people’s properties.”
The blockages wasted Barwon Water employees’ time and customers’ money that could be better spent elsewhere, according to Ms Slatter.
“These blockages are expensive and time-consuming to fix,” she said.
“At a time when everyone is very focused on hygiene and public health, it is critical that people follow the rules and flush only toilet paper.”
Keeping essential water and sewerage services running smoothly was especially important in times of crisis like the coronvaris pandemic, Ms Slatter said.
“The message is clear. If it isn’t toilet paper, it goes in the bin. Set one up next to your toilet if you need to.”
