WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A messy situation on Westhill Drive has Wausau utility officials reminding residents of what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet.
Back in May, crews were called out for a report of a sanitary sewer overflow in that neighborhood. An investigation into the incident revealed that a backup of personal care items caused the incident.
They’re using the incident as a reminder that even if an item says it is “flushable” such as personal care wipes or feminine hygiene products, they shouldn’t be flushed at all. The only thing that should be flushed is toilet paper.
Officials say this isn’t an isolated backup. Such items are often removed from all areas of the wastewater system. They add those fixes are often messy and costly.
In addition to becoming a hassle for city crews, these backups can also cause raw, untreated wastewater to back up into homes or on the streets, which creates a public health hazard.
