Wet wipes block sewer lines in Mexicali

MEXICALI, Mexico (KYMA) - Throwing wet wipes in the trash or flushing them down the toilets has caused ongoing problems with the sewer system in Mexicali.

Public works crews have to respond every two weeks, mainly in private residential communities.

Wet wipes clog the sewer system, causing wastewater overflows.

Specialized crews must remove them, which is a process that requires hours of work and specialized equipment.

"This problem has increased significantly since the [COVID-19] pandemic. We had reports before, but not as many as now," said Luis Antonio Hernandez, Deputy Director of Mexicali Public Services. "We have informed residents' representatives so they can please let residents know not to put wipes in the toilet, but it still happening."

Experts said the product labels indicate whether wipes are bio-degradable. If they are not, they should be disposed of in the trash, not flushed down the toilet.