EPCOR asks Albertans to watch what they flush as disinfectant wipe use soars

EPCOR is issuing a warning — ahead of any issues — in hopes that Albertans will roll with the COVID-19 situation and stick to flushing toilet paper only.

“We know that people are using more flushable wipes, more cleaning wipes, and paper towel at this time,” said EPCOR spokesperson Kelly Struski.

“We do want to remind them that all of those items should not be going into the drainage system.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "We do want to remind them that all of those items should not be going into the drainage system."

The warning comes following some strange situations around the world, as toilet paper remains in high demand — despite direct orders from officials not to hoard or stockpile. 

In Redding, Calif., last week, the city’s sewer system backed up and officials found shredded t-shirts clogging the pipes. Officials in that city said that if residents were using alternative or creative products to wipe, they should bag them instead of flush.

2:00 New coronavirus has people panic-buying

While EPCOR said it hasn’t experienced any issues with its drainage system at this time, it is warning people to be careful to prevent a similar situation.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet —any of those other materials, if they are flushed, do increase the chance of blockages in sewer pipes and sewer backups,”  Struski said.

“It’s always good advice to follow, it’s just particularly important at this time.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "It's always good advice to follow, it's just particularly important at this time."

Struski added that EPCOR is working to transition its employees to working from home — with 1,900 of its 3,600 workers in Edmonton making the switch last week.

There are still employees working on essential maintenance and repairs to ensure water and electricity continues to work, but even with more and more Edmontonians working at home, there hasn’t been much of a noticeable increase in residential use yet, said Struski.

“As time goes on we will see an increase in residential water use, it’s just a bit too early to see that pattern right now,” she said.

EPCOR operates municipal water and wastewater treatment centres in Edmonton and other Alberta communities, and provides the electricity service in Edmonton.