Toilet Paper Substitutes Causing Issues W/ Augusta Plumbing

Even before the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Maine, people began to hoard toilet paper.  Consumers were buying so much, so quickly, that it was impossible for retailers to keep it on the shelves.

This shortage has lead to some people seeking alternatives..

According to the KJ, those unable to get their hands on toilet paper have resorted to using everything from paper towels to baby wipes.  And, apparently, some of these TP substitutes aren't town sewage system friendly

According to the Greater Augusta Utility District's Brian Tarbuck

Mostly non-toilet paper products gum up the works of the pumps downstream, and our maintenance personnel have to respond and physically pull these products out of pumps by hand. It’s a gruesome job.

It's also a costly one.  The cost of clearing a blocked sewage line starts at several hundred dollars and goes up from there.

Here's the part you may want to be concerned with...  If city workers are able to trace the blockage to a particular home, the owner of the property could be on the hook for paying for the repairs.

The Kennebec Journal article goes on to say that the city of Gardiner is facing a similar situation.

So, please be kind and only dispose of toilet paper (and, ya' know) in the toilet.