Flushable Wipes: The Bane of the Wastewater Industry

In the video below, featured on Icon Water's YouTube channel, they test a "flushable" wet wipe to see how well it dissolves in water compared to toilet paper, wet wipes (not labeled flushable), and paper towels. All 4 products are spun for 30 minutes in water to display how well each of these products breaks down when you flush them. 

Flushable wipes have been the plague of the wastewater industry for years due to the problems they cause for systems. Not only can they clog pipes, damage equipment, and harm the environment, but they require increased maintenance for utilities. 

The most recent legislation regarding flushable wipes is the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act. This bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2024. This act "would require the Federal Trade Commission to create a uniform label for products that have and/or require a 'Do Not Flush' label" in order to reduce consumer confusion and help to protect wastewater systems. Additionally, Michigan recently passed a law in July 2024 that prohibits manufacturers from marketing wipes as “flushable.”

Further Reading...

• Oregon To Require Do Not Flush Labeling On Wipes | Nonwovens Industry
• These ‘flushable’ wipes shouldn’t be flushed, plumbers say | The Hill
• Hanford city warns residents against flushing non-flushable wipes | YourCentralValley.com
• WIPPES Act - Set To Create National Standard For Wipes Labeling | Nonwovens Industry
• New Michigan law bans ‘flushable’ label on most bathroom wipes | MLive

Featured Video: Flushable Wipe's Effects on Our Sewer System

Many collection systems struggle to prevent the costly and time consuming repairs associated with flushable wipes. Despite the label these wipes remain intact in sewer systems. They often clump into large blockages held together by grease. When the blockage becomes too large, sewers experience sanitary backups and pricey pump damage. 

This week’s featured video reviews the management options for flushable wipes as explained by Great Lakes Water Authority. One common solution for wipe buildup requires the installation of sewer grates and filter screens. Though operators will be required to regularly clear away wipe accumulation, systems can plan for the added maintenance expenses while preventing unexpected downtime. Other systems may choose to break down wipes with chopper pumps or grinder pumps, however this can lead to reweaving later in the collection system.

The video ultimately demonstrates that there is no single and efficient method to avoid wipe backups other than consumer education. With the final costs of wipe maintenance funded by the rate-payer, collection systems should be vocal in educating their customers about the products that can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. For more information on flushable products, check out our blog post Will it Flush.