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Officials blame non‑flushable wipes for much of visible river debris; outreach campaign planned
Summary
Utility staff said non‑flushable wipes and other flushed items cause clogs and visible debris during CSO events and announced an outreach campaign and periodic public education to discourage flushing such products.
Springfield Water and Sewer staff told councilors that a substantial portion of the visual debris from overflows consists of non‑flushable wipes, diapers, hygiene items and other material that does not break down. "One of the biggest problems that we have are what are called, non flushable wipes," Josh Schimmel said, noting that these items do not disintegrate and are not captured during overflow events.
Communications manager Jamie Bartek emphasized public education, urging residents not to flush wipes and to dispose of trash properly. Schimmel said the utility will run a campaign addressing labeling and consumer behavior and reminded residents that many products marketed as "flushable" do not behave like toilet paper in sewer systems.
