Watercorp plea on waste

Water Corporation has implored residents in the Capes to flush only human waste and toilet paper after toilet paper shortages resulted in a rise in wastewater blockages.

Last month, Water Corp reported a 12 per cent increase in blockages in wastewater pipes compared with March last year, and the most likely culprit is people who are flushing toilet paper substitutes such as paper kitchen towels and wet wipes.

This year, Water Corp crews have cleared 1965 blockages from wastewater systems around WA.

Since January wastewater crews have cleared 137 blockages from wastewater systems across the South West.

Water Corporation South West regional manager John Janssen said crews had stepped up their planned maintenance to clear potential blockages before they happen, but the community needed to do its bit.

“Over the past five years, we’ve spent nearly $20.4 million clearing blockages from wastewater systems across the State,” he said.

“I’m asking the community to do their bit to ensure our crews are only being called out to essential work, and not to clear blockages caused by incorrect things such as wet wipes, paper towels and newspaper being flushed down the toilet.”

Blockages can also occur in the internal plumbing of a home, and householders are then responsible for any plumbing repair costs.

To report a fault with the wastewater system, phone Water Corporation’s 24-hour faults, emergencies and security line on 13 13 75.