West Harris County MUD No. 7 Urges Residents to Avoid Flushing "Flushable" Wipes
West Harris County MUD No. 7, which serves the Raintree Village community, is sounding the alarm about the significant issues caused by flushing so-called "flushable" wipes. Originally intended as a convenient solution for diaper clean-up, wipes have evolved into products marketed to adults as an alternative or supplement to toilet paper. Unfortunately, many of these wipes, despite their "flushable" label, are far from being truly biodegradable.
The Problem with "Flushable" Wipes
Over the past decade, wipes marketed as "flushable" have become increasingly popular. However, these products often contain man-made fibers that are nearly indestructible. While they may flush down toilets, they don't break down easily in the sewer system, creating significant problems.
When these wipes combine with another sewer adversary—Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G.)—they form massive clogs, often referred to as “WIPES-BERGS.” These blockages can cause costly and messy issues for wastewater treatment plants, leading to increased water and sewer rates for customers.
The Financial Impact
The financial impact of flushed wipes is staggering. For example, in New York City alone, approximately 1.3 billion cubic feet of wipes are extracted from sewage waste each year, resulting in an annual cost of about $3 million. The cost of damages to sewer infrastructure can reach up to $18 million over five years, a burden that ultimately falls on taxpayers.
The Global Crisis
Water treatment experts are calling the proliferation of flushed wipes a global crisis. Efforts are underway to improve product standards and educate the public on proper disposal methods. Patty Potty’s NO WIPES IN THE PIPES campaign is one such initiative making waves. Patty Potty, a 1950s-style housewife with a pink plunger, serves as a humorous yet effective advocate against flushing inappropriate items. Her campaign emphasizes that while some products are marketed as flushable, they are far from sewer-friendly.
Protecting Our Infrastructure
Much of the water infrastructure we rely on today was built post-World War II, and it’s essential to protect and maintain this aging system. Proper disposal of wipes and F.O.G. down the drain is crucial to avoid costly repairs and maintain water quality.
Join the Potty Patrol
Patty Potty’s message—NO WIPES IN THE PIPES—may have a nostalgic twist, but it carries a vital message for today’s water-conscious world. By avoiding the flush of non-degradable wipes and other inappropriate items, residents can help prevent expensive plumbing issues and ensure the effective operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
The West Harris County MUD No. 7 encourages all residents to join Patty Potty’s “Potty Patrol” and commit to proper disposal practices. For more information on how to participate in the Save Water Texas Coalition and to learn more about best practices for water conservation, visit their website at savewatertexas.org.
Let’s work together to protect our community’s infrastructure and keep our environment clean by ensuring that only toilet paper and human waste go down the drain.
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.
