The City of Lennox Utility Department is seeing an increase in problems caused by non-organic and so called “flushable” wipes entering our sanitary sewer system. These wipes do not break down in water like toilet paper. Although advertised as “flushable,” they may leave your toilet bowl and go out of sight, but they often lead to very expensive surprise repairs.
Additionally, unlike toilet paper, these wipes tangle, clump, and cause major damage throughout our collection system, lift stations, pumps, and Wastewater Treatment Facility.
What’s happening in Lennox right now:
Wipes are clogging service lines. This year alone, crews have responded to multiple homeowners dealing with sewage backups in their basements caused by non-flushable items.
They are damaging and clogging our pumps, requiring emergency responses, expensive contractor work, and risking community wide backups during failures.
They are creating blockages at the WWTF, causing this expensive infrastructure to experience unnecessary early replacement and maintenance.
These issues force us to make emergency calls, hire contractors, and replace expensive equipment. Pump replacements alone can cost $25,000–$60,000 each, plus staff overtime and disposal fees. Similar cities across the country report spending tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per year on wipe-related repairs. Every incident raises costs that ultimately affect all Lennox ratepayers.
Help us protect our infrastructure and keep your utility rates as low as possible. Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Throw all wipes (including those labeled “flushable”), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and other non-flushable items in the trash.
It’s a simple change that saves time and money while preventing potential backups into homes and streets. We appreciate your help keeping Lennox’s sewer system working smoothly for everyone.
Thank you for protecting our shared infrastructure! — City of Lennox Utility Department