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June 5, 2020

Epidemic of wipes and masks plagues sewers, storm drains

  • Wastewater plant operators have reported a surge of stopped-up pipes and damage to equipment thanks to home-bound flushers.
    • By CLAUDIA LAUER and JOHN FLESHER
    Associated Press

    PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Jim Kenney kicked off a recent briefing on Philadelphia's coronavirus response with an unusual request for residents: Be careful what you flush.

    Between mid-March, when the city's stay-at-home order was issued, and the end of April, most of the 19 sewer and stormwater pumping stations in Philadelphia had experienced clogs from face masks, gloves and wipes residents had pitched into the potty, Kenney said.


     
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