Vetberg: wet wipes and grease blocking Palmerston North wastewater pipes

Palmerston North residents are urged not to flush the wet wipes afterwards “big mountains” have caused blockages in the wastewater network.

Wet wipes and other non-flushable materials have caused significant disruption in recent weeks, resulting in blockages pumping stations and pipes in the suburbs of Highbury and Awapuni.

The wipes mix with grease and grease to create “fat mountains,” a nightmarish collection of wet wipes mixed with congealed grease.

Mike Monaghan, manager of the Council Three Waters group, says only the three P’s should ever be flushed down the toilet: pee, poo and toilet paper.

“Paper towels and tissues are highly absorbent and 90% of wet wipes on the market are also made from non-woven fabrics made from polyester or polypropylene,” he said.