Kernc: “Stop flushing all wipes”

“Stop flushing all wipes,” is the continuing call of Diamond Mayor Terry Kernc.
The mayor is joining municipal officials across the state and country in requesting citizens stop flushing wipes—baby wipes, disinfecting wipes and even moist towelettes and cleansing cloths marketed for bathroom use—as these products are damaging public sewer systems and causing sewage backups into homes and businesses.
Kernc has issued multiple requests for residents to stop flushing these items down toilets, but some have failed to answer the call and the action has resulted in damage to the town’s sewage lift stations.
On Wednesday, Kernc sent out a notice informing residents that the improper disposal of wipes forced public works employees to pull two pumps at the Diamond Estates lift station. Workers must then pull the soggy, stained and smelly wipes from the system.
“All lift stations are suffering,” the mayor stated in a written message, with an added “please stop,” in all caps.
Even items marketed as flushable or septic safe are to be disposed of in the trash can, not down the toilet. Wipes are not manufactured to breakdown like toilet paper and when they are put into the sewer system they get caught in municipal sewer pumps or cluster leading to blockages.
Kernc wants residents to understand the damage the action causes for the village and for residents who experience sewage backups in their homes.
Along with wipes, items including facial tissues, napkins and paper towels should also be tossed in the trash not flushed down the toilet.
“If people don’t want sewage backing up they need to stop flushing all wipes,” the mayor said.