City of Fillmore

The City of Fillmore is asking residents to avoid flushing sanitation wipes even if the package states they are flushable. Other alternatives to toilet paper including paper towels and facial tissues also should not be flushed in local sewer lines as people practice guidelines to combat the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. While the "flushable" wipes concern is not new to wastewater facilities, there is an increased risk to our system due to the current shortage of toilet paper.

The City is working closely with Veolia North America, which operates and maintains the wastewater treatment plant, to educate people about the need to avoid flushing inappropriate items down their toilets.

We ask that our community members pay extra attention to what items they are using and flushing and remind you not to flush anything other than toilet paper, whether being used for personal hygiene purposes or for wiping and cleaning surfaces. Although many so-called "disposable" hand wipes are advertised as being safe for flushing, they can cause backups in the system and contribute to buildup of foreign materials. In some cases, they can attach to buildups of grease in the system and create large blockages called "fatbergs."

Here are some items that should not be flushed down sewer lines:
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Wet wipes/baby wipes
• Facial tissues

As a general reminder, here are "Dos and Don'ts" for avoiding backups in the local sewer lines:
• DO NOT flush wipes, gloves, towels or other trash down the toilet, even if they're labeled flushable.
• DO NOT pour grease down kitchen sinks or toilets. wipes, tampons, sanitary pads and condoms in the trash. DO toss dirty baby, makeup and cleaning.

Thank you for helping keep our community and facilities clean and functioning.