Memorial MUD Reminds Residents: Keep "Flushable" Wipes Out of the Drain
Happy National Toilet Paper Day! As we celebrate on August 26th, the Memorial MUD wants to make sure everyone knows the best way to keep your plumbing and our community’s water systems running smoothly.
Here’s a simple rule to remember: only toilet paper should go down the drain. Flushing anything else, including those so-called "flushable" wipes, can lead to big problems. Even though these wipes are marketed as flushable, they don’t break down properly in the sewer system. A 2019 study of over 100 types of “flushable” wipes found that none of them dissolved enough to safely pass through plumbing and sewers without causing clogs or damage.
Why does this matter? The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) estimates that wipes cause about $25 million in damage and maintenance costs each year in Texas alone. These costs often end up being passed on to consumers in the form of higher water bills.
So, on this National Toilet Paper Day, let’s make a commitment to protect our pipes and the environment by only flushing toilet paper. It’s an easy way to avoid costly plumbing issues, reduce environmental damage, and keep our water systems flowing smoothly. Thanks for doing your part!
By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.