PUC ACTIVELY ADVISES AGAINST FLUSHING SANITARY WIPES DOWN YOUR TOILET

Sault Ste. Marie (March 30, 2020) – During the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is a notable increase in the purchase of sanitary wipes, paper towel and disinfecting products. PUC is urging customers to dispose of sanitary wipes, paper towels or any other products in the garbage and not to dispose of these items in your toilets.

Flushing this material causes damage to the sewer system and may cause sewer backups in your home. Sewer systems are built to handle human waste and toilet paper and any other items can cause clogs, blockages and disrupt the wastewater system.

We encourage everyone to follow infection and control practices for cleaning surfaces with disinfecting wipes during the COVID-19 pandemic, but to dispose of these products in the garbage, even those labelled flushable.

As an essential service provider, PUC is committed to keeping your lights on, maintaining clean drinking water and the city’s wastewater system.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Care Team at 705-759-6522 or customer.care@ssmpuc.com, Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM and 705-759-6555 for after hour emergencies.