While Cobourg residents may be responding to the recent toilet-paper shortage by substituting paper towels, tissues, napkins or wipes, they need to be reminded that these items are not flushable.
The town has issued a press release stating that only toilet paper should be flushed into the sewer system.
Other materials all contain plastic binders for added strength, the press release said, even brands that claim to be flushable. As a result, these products will not break down or even begin to disintegrate from the turbulence of flushing – which means the risk of blocking the lateral sewer line that runs from your house to the main line in the street.
It may also mean costly maintenance work for the town and for homeowners, Director of Public Works Laurie Wills added in the press release.
As well, debris flushed downstream can cause infrastructure to become damaged, jeopardizing the operations of sewage-treatment plants and pumping stations.
And during the COVID-19 outbreak and its staffing difficulties, service calls by town staff to private properties are limited to emergencies only, so response times may be prolonged and resources may be depleted.
'We are asking for your help to take care of and maintain your sanitary system as as critical component of your household,” Wills urged.
For residents forced to use paper towels, napkins, wipes or tissues, it is best to dispose of these items in the garbage or compost to avoid sewage backing up or damage to the sewer system.
The town has launched a dedicated COVID-19 web page at www.cobourg.ca/covid19 with program and service updates, news from the municipality, and risk-reduction advice.
For local health-unit updates, visit the Haliburton Kawatha Pine Ridge District Health Unit site at www.hkpr.on.ca.