The Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority (BCWSA) is urging customers not to flush wipes, or other inappropriate items, down the toilet during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) emergency. During these trying times BCWSA is working diligently to ensure continuous safe drinking water and sanitary treatment protecting your families amid this time of need.

BCWSA spokesman Patrick Cleary said that a northern California county is seeing a spike in sewage spills, and officials there say that the increased use of wipes and toilet paper substitutes are to blame for the spills.

“Public works officials all across the country are on the lookout for an increase in system backups because of the shortage of toilet paper due to panic-buying,” Cleary said. “Wipes and other items not meant for the sewage system can cause lines to back up. So, the recommendation is trash it, don’t flush it.”

Cleary added that keeping the sewage lines open is vital for ensuring proper water treatment and for providing clean water to all BCWSA customers.

“Our number one priority is, and always has been, the guarantee of clean water for all customers,” Cleary said. “And to ensure that we honor that guarantee our facilities and SCADA department are staffed and fully operational 24 hours a day. We are monitoring and reporting to ensure clean and safe water.”