Due to the COVID-19 Virus concerns, the City’s Water Pollution Control Facility has seen an increase in wipes labeled “flushable” being flushed into the City’s sewer mains. The City of Ottumwa wants residents to be aware that wipes that are sold as “flushable” are in fact not flushable for the City’s sewer pipes. Flushing of wipes causes cities to spend thousands of dollars on premature equipment repair and replacement. Wipes snag on any imperfection in sewer pipes, catch passing debris and grease, and create a “ball” that will grow to eventually plug the pipe. The wipes get drawn into sewer-lines and wastewater treatment plant pumps and clog and damage the pumps. Municipalities must manually clear out the pumps or remove the clogs. The City of Ottumwa has released a list of items that do not flush into the City’s sewer mains, both “flushable” and “non-flushable”.
The only material that should be flushed is that which comes from the body and toilet paper. Any questions, concerns you can contact the Water Pollution Control Facility at 641-683-0641.
