Atlanta Department of Watershed Management Celebrates World Toilet Day

Photo Credit: Laura Ritchie/Flickr

Staff Report

In celebration of World Toilet Day this Wednesday, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management asks customers to perform annual toilet inspections and give up “flushable” wipes.

World Toilet Day was established in 2001 and observed annually on Nov. 19. This international day of action aims to break the stigma around toilets and draw attention to the global sanitation challenge.

Atlanta and municipalities across the world are experiencing higher costs for wastewater collection and treatment due to increased sewer blockages and solid waste volume from sanitary or cleaning wipes advertised as disposable or flushable. These non-biodegradable cloth-like materials, when used instead of bathroom tissue, may clog sewer service lines and block filter screens at reclamation facilities.

More than 100 million gallons of wastewater are treated daily at the City’s four facilities – R.M. Clayton, Intrenchment Creek, South River and Utoy Creek – before the finished water is returned to local rivers.

“Disposable wipes are not what they claim, and they cause major problems for sewer systems everywhere,” Commissioner Jo Ann Macrina said. “If you must use wipes, dispose of them in the trash can. Doing so can save water and money.”

The City of Atlanta is a partner in the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District toilet rebate program, which provides a $100 water bill credit for property owners who install WaterSense low-flow toilets in place of models installed prior to 1993. The program is available to both residential and multi-family properties.

“The average person flushes five times per day, and many older toilets use up to 5.5 gallons per flush,” Macrina said. “New technology has reduced this footprint to 1.28 gallons per flush. Every man, woman and child can conserve up to 7,500 gallons per year if each of us does our part.”

A household toilet inspection can be performed with dye or food coloring: if dye poured into the tank appears in the bowl without a flush, the toilet may have a leak. Replacing the flapper valve usually resolves the leak. Water-saver kits with dye tablets are available at any City of Atlanta fire station at no cost to residents.

For more information on World Toilet Day, visit the United Nations’ page at www.unwater.org/worldtoiletday