Flushable Wipes Request From Utility Department

The City of Sauk Rapids is asking its residents to not flush disposable wipes into the sanitary sewer system.  Many of the wipes state on the package that they are flushable, which they are, but they do not break down, like toilet paper, in the sanitary sewer system.  The use of disposable wipes have caused a dramatic increase in slugged pumps at the City's lift stations, and also blockages in both City and private sewer lines.  When the Utilities Department receives an alarm or phone call notifying them of a problem they respond 24 hours a day, which increases the cost maintenance and ultimately the water rates being charged.    The Utilities Department recommends that anyone interested in learning more about flushable wipes and the effect that they have on the sanitary sewer system view this short presentation(sponsored by Consumer Report.Org).  The Utilities Department requests that anyone using flushable wipes please dispose of them in the garbage.  Please contact Craig Nelson, Director of Utilities, at (320) 258-5318 with questions.