City Reminds Public to Flush Only Toilet Paper
Heavier Items Can Cause Sewer Backups!
SPEARFISH, SD (March 16, 2020) – The City of Spearfish reminds residents that only toilet paper should be flushed down toilets.
Due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concerns, there are reports of shortages of toilet paper on store shelves. This shortage can lead the public to consider using alternative products.
Many of the issues involving sewer main backups in Spearfish involve the flushing of products such as non-disposable and disposable wipes, rags, tampons, paper towels, and other heavy products. Only toilet paper should be flushed down toilets. Toilet paper breaks down in water, and other alternative products mentioned above do not and can be the main cause for blockages that lead to sewer backups. Any product other than toilet paper should be placed in the trash and not down the toilet.
Common items flushed down the toilet that can lead to blockages include shop and paper towels, cleaning and baby wipes, napkins, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, and condoms. Such items should be placed in the trash.
The City thanks the public for its help in preventing sewer backups!