News

Coliban Water is encouraging the community to take action to prevent sewer blockages and spills by avoiding flushing any toilet paper alternatives.
 
Manager Customer Operations Steve Dunlop said with many people turning to tissues, wet wipes and even paper towel to use in the toilet, customers are reminded that these items simply aren’t flushable and can have serious consequences for the environment and community.
 
“We know they all look flushable, but the reality is, not all paper is created equally. Most of these products are designed to absorb water, not break down. They block the system and cost customers as well as Coliban Water money,” Mr Dunlop said.
 
Only the three Ps can be flushed; pee, poo and toilet paper.
 
On Sunday evening we experienced a blockage in the system, which spilled into the Bendigo Creek at Long Gully. The blockage removed was a combination of paper towel and wet wipes. It caused 20,000 litres of waste water to be spilled into the creek, requiring extensive clean up and cost.
 
“We can’t emphasise enough the consequences of sewer spills to both the environment and the community. The cost to Coliban Water to remove blockages and clean up spills is a cost to all of us,” he said.
 
Tissues, wet wipes and hand towel are made from a robust weave, not designed to disintegrate easily. They combine with fats, oils and grease in the sewers and create massive fatbergs that block the network and cause spills.
 
“We are funded by our customers and spend around $1.4m of customer money each year on preventatively cleaning and maintaining the sewer network, which has led to a 66 percent drop in blockages.
 
“Foreign objects can also block plumbing on your own property, costing you money, time and inconvenience of repair and clean up,” he said.
 
Another way to ease congestion in the system is avoiding putting any fats or oils down the kitchen drain when cooking. Pour them into a jar and check with your local council for the best way to dispose of them.
 
For more information on what you can and can’t put down the drains see our website.