Disinfectant wipes clogging sewer systems in Monterey, experts say

As people try to stay sanitized to protect themselves from COVID-19, hand wipes being used more, but disposed of incorrectly. Experts say those wipes are going down the drain, and it's clogging sewage systems in Monterey.

"They don't break down easily in water," Monterey One Water Director of External Affairs Mike McCullough said.

The California State Water Resources Control Board released a statement earlier this month saying, "Even wipes labeled 'flushable' will clog pipes and interfere with sewage collection and treatment throughout the state.”

Wipes and other such materials clog up operations. Employees have to rake them out so that they don't stop up the "grinders."

“Those compounds, even though we shred them [...] they can still build up,” McCullough said.

The grinders protect the pumps from any wipes or cloths making it that far. And workers have to rake out the wipes to make sure the grinders keep moving.

“Don’t put any flushable wipes, or rags or cloths down into the sewer system,” McCullough said.

If sewage systems back up enough, spills can happen. Those pose a risk to the environment and public health--something especially important during COVID-19.