Estevan experiencing operational problems with sewage system

Products that should not be flushed are indeed going to residents’ toilets, and that’s causing problems for the City of Estevan’s sewage system.

The city issued a notice Monday afternoon saying it has been experiencing operational problems with sewage pumping stations and public sewer mains.

“The cause of the problem relates directly to the products and materials discharged from property owners to the City of Estevan public sewer mains,” the notice read.

It said baby wipes, feminine, cleaning and disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl scrubbers, and paper towels must not go down the drain, even if they are labelled as disposable or flushable.

The city attributed the cause to those products being discharged into the public sewer mains.

“These products do not break down in the sewer system and can cause plugs in sewer pipes and sewage pumping stations, resulting in sewer backups and equipment damage,” said the notice.

“In addition to these products, please avoid disposing of grease and cooking oils. When fats, oils, and grease are poured or flushed down your sinks, drains, or toilets they enter the sewer system where they cool, harden and stick to the inner walls of sewer pipes.

“This can lead to blockages that are difficult and costly to fix. When in doubt, use the three Ps rule, flush Pee, Poo and Paper (toilet paper) only!”