CONSCIOUS Canberrans are being encouraged to join Choice’s ‘Flushbusters Campaign’ to help get the message out to manufacturers and large retailers to wipe out misleading flushable claims.
Choice has released its ‘wipes’ series this week detailing information about the impact that wet wipes are having on water utility networks and the environment. Choice has also awarded the Shonky Award to a major wipes manufacturer.
Angie Drake, of Icon Water said that utilities around Australia have reported an increase in blockages caused mainly by wet wipes which are costly to remove and have an impact on customers and the environment.
“This is nothing new as Canberrans will probably know. We’ve been talking about this in earnest for the last 12 months,” Angie said.
“What we do know is that there are a number of products labeled as flushable and while there is no agreed standard in Australia or internationally we have been advising customers to flush the three P’s (poo, pee and paper) and avoid the flushable wipe option.”
“It is estimated that these type of blockages [caused by wipes] are costing the urban water industry over $15 million each year, nationally.”
“In addition, there may also be direct costs to customers who purchase wipes through the cost to fix blockages in their own property.”
“But the issue is not just cost – it is ultimately the impact on the environment from wipes as they make their way into rivers and even beaches in other cities.”
“Along with our national counterparts, we are committed to protecting the environment while minimising costs to customers. As an industry our members are always looking at how to better educate the community on what should go down toilets and drains.”
At present there are no agreed standards in Australia or internationally around “flushability”. Nationally, the industry via the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) would like to see the development and adoption of a sound international standard that appropriately defines the tests required to ensure protection of both assets and the environment.
“There is currently a process to develop an international standard for products designed to be flushed down the toilet and this standard is expected by 2016.
“Internationally, water utilities are facing the same issue with New York City’s wastewater management stating that removal of blockages involving wet wipes has cost $18 million in the last 5 years,” she concluded.
More information can be found by visiting the following websites and by visiting the Icon Water website at iconwater.com.au :
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