Politics & Government
City Officials: Don't Flush Wipes, Paper Towels Amid Coronavirus
With the shortage of toilet paper, city officials some may want to flush alternatives to toilet paper down the toilet.
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — With a current shortage of toilet paper in stores across the U.S. amid coronavirus concerns, some may be opt to use paper towel or baby wipes instead. But, city officials in Crystal Lake are urging residents not to flush these alternatives to toilet paper down the toilet.
"The system accommodates toilet paper, which is made to disintegrate quickly in water. However, wipes, diapers and other materials, which do not break down as readily, tend to clog pipes," according to a post on the city of Crystal Lake's Facebook page. "That could mean sewer backups into the homes of residents or neighbors as clogs form down the line, which can be costly to unclog."
Wipes, paper towels, baby wipes, napkins, tissue and other non-toilet paper products do not break down like toilet paper, and can clog sanitary sewer systems, according to city officials. This includes products that are labeled as "disposable."
"They are not flushable, and they are not biodegradable," said public works director Mike Magnuson. "They wreak havoc in our system. Please don't flush those down the toilet."
The alternatives to toilet paper, if needed, should instead be placed in a bag and disposed of with your garbage, according to the Facebook post.
