Griffith City Council is reminding residents to be mindful of what they flush down the toilet, reinforcing the importance of following the 3 Ps rule: Poo, Pee, and (toilet) Paper.
Flushing anything else can cause serious blockages, sewer overflows and costly repairs that impact both households and the broader community.
Non-flushable items such as wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, paper towels and even so-called 'flushable' wipes do not break down like toilet paper. These materials accumulate in sewer pipes, leading to blockages that can cause sewer overflows in homes, streets and waterways, posing a risk to public health and the environment.
Council has seen a concerning number of blockages, with our wastewater team responding to dozens of incidents where pipes were clogged due to non-flushable materials. In addition to the environmental consequences, these blockages are costly to clear, with thousands of dollars spent annually on repairs and maintenance that could have been avoided.
Council's Director of Utilities, Graham Gordon, stressed the importance of community cooperation in maintaining a healthy sewer system.
"When non-flushable items enter the sewer system, they don't break down like toilet paper. Instead, they combine with fats, oils and grease to form solid blockages that disrupt wastewater flow. This leads to overflows, costly repairs and even damage to private plumbing. Simply put, if it's not Poo, Pee, or toilet Paper, it belongs in the bin," Mr Gordon said.
To help prevent sewer blockages, residents are encouraged to:
- Only flush the 3 Ps: Poo, Pee and (toilet) Paper.
- Dispose of wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds and other waste in the bin.
- Avoid pouring fats, oils and grease down the drain, as they contribute to blockages.
By making these simple changes, the community can help protect Griffith's sewer system, reduce environmental harm and prevent unnecessary costs.
