Do flushable wipes break down quickly enough in water treatment systems?

No, flushable wipes do not break down quickly enough in water treatment systems. While some flushable wipes are designed to be more biodegradable than traditional wet wipes, they still present challenges for water treatment facilities.

Flushable wipes may disintegrate to some extent in water, but they often take longer to break down compared to toilet paper, which is specifically engineered to break down rapidly in water treatment systems. As a result, flushable wipes can accumulate in wastewater treatment plants, leading to various issues:

Pump and Equipment Clogs: The slow breakdown of flushable wipes can clog pumps and equipment in water treatment systems, requiring more frequent maintenance and potentially leading to equipment failures.

Filter and Screen Blockages: Flushable wipes can accumulate on filters and screens used to remove debris from wastewater. These blockages can reduce the efficiency of the treatment process and may require manual cleaning or replacement.

Increased Operating Costs: Dealing with the presence of flushable wipes in water treatment systems can result in higher operating costs for municipalities, as additional resources and labor may be needed to address the clogs and maintenance issues caused by these wipes.

Environmental Impact: The accumulation of flushable wipes in water treatment systems can lead to operational inefficiencies and may even contribute to environmental pollution if wastewater treatment is compromised.

Because of the challenges flushable wipes pose to water treatment facilities, many wastewater treatment operators and environmental organizations advise against flushing any wipes, including those labeled as "flushable." Instead, it is recommended to dispose of all wipes in the trash, even if they are marketed as safe to flush. This approach helps to protect water treatment systems, prevent clogs, and reduce the environmental impact of non-biodegradable materials in the sewage system.