Hopetoun residents urged to think before they flush

Hopetoun residents are urged to think twice about what they flush down the toilet or wash down the sink today on World Toilet Day after a 100 kilogram ‘pipe monster’ was found blocking the local wastewater system.

Water Corporation Great Southern Regional Manager Adrian Stewart said wastewater blockages, also referred to as ‘pipe monsters’, had caused havoc in the local wastewater system.

“Items like socks, jocks, wet wipes, nappies and plastic bags should not be flushed down the toilet as this material does not break down like toilet paper,” Mr Stewart said. 

“Service crews remove between 200 to 300 kilograms of material causing blockages in the local wastewater system each year – just like the 100 kilogram ‘pipe monster’ we had to get a crane to pull out recently, which makes it a costly exercise.

“Even if you think it’s ‘just this once’, remember if every person thought the same we would have blockages everywhere and that can impact our ability to safely take away wastewater to be treated.

Mr Stewart also said it was important to not pour fat, oil or grease straight down the kitchen sink as once cooled it solidified and caused blockages.

“This will not only help protect the environment and our wastewater system, but also potentially save you money from having to call a plumber to fix any blockages that can happen within your home,” he said.

“This year’s theme for World Toilet Day is ‘Leaving no one behind’ – we urge Esperance residents to not take this infrastructure for granted and to help look after it as remember not everyone across the globe has access to clean sanitation.

“Just remember, only soap and water down the sink, and paper, pee and poo down the loo.”

Water Corporation maintains around 11 kilometres of wastewater mains in Hopetoun, and residents and businesses play an important part in helping to protect this important part of Esperance’s infrastructure.