Increased number of wipes in South Lake Tahoe sewer system causing issues

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) is warning residents that while cleaning surfaces with disinfecting wipes to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is encouraged, discarding them and paper towels in the toilet is not.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of disposable wipes in our wastewater system,” says Chris Stanley, Manager of Field Operations. “These wipes clog up our system and are the main cause of sewer spills. During this pandemic, we need our crews’ focused on providing safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater services, instead of responding to an easily preventable sewer spill.”

When done cleaning surfaces, dispose of wipes and towels in the trash.

Even wipes labeled “flushable” will clog pipes and interfere with sewage collection and treatment.

STPUD asks that everyone to help keep raw sewage out of our lake, rivers, and streams, by only flushing pee, poop and toilet paper.