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City of Chilliwack reminds citizens that ‘unflushables’ can clog the system and damage pipes

‘Hey, Chilliwack, don’t treat your toilet like a trash can,’ according to the city notice
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City of Chilliwack is reminding folks not to flush wipes, joining several municipalities that have stepped up this messaging in the pandemic age. (Unsplash)

The message is clear: don’t treat your toilet like a trash can.

Municipal sewer systems are only designed for human waste and toilet paper, not wipes and other solids.

Anything else – even so-called ‘flushable’ items like wipes – can cause big problems in municipal systems that lead to clogs, blockages, and damage to wastewater equipment.

All of those scenarios can significantly interrupt a sewer system, according to a City of Chilliwack notice. With a huge increase in the use of disinfectant wipes, and gloves, because of COVID-19, it’s a timely reminder.

“At this time, when we are working diligently to ensure essential municipal services remain available to residents, a blockage like this would cause a significant and unnecessary strain on resources,” according to a city bulletin.

“Before you flush, remember that toilets are not trash cans and responsibly dispose of your wipes and other non-flushable items.”

There are more details on the Metro Vancouver’s ‘The Unflushables’ campaign website, explaining what can’t be flushed and why, or by contacting the city’s operations department at operations@chilliwack.com or 604-793-2810.

READ MORE: These reminders are popping up everywhere

READ MORE: Efforts to avoid the ‘unflushables’ in Metro Van


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Metro Vancouver’s Unflushables campaign reminder is applicable in Chilliwack. (Metro Vancouver)


Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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