In direct response to the issues being experienced in the wastewater network, with more wipes etc being flushed down the toilet causing blockages and pump failures in Ireland's networks, plants and pumping stations, the ‘Think Before You Flush’  campaign, led by An Taisce, has been unveiled.

The information campaign will increase awareness of the operational challenges in dealing with wet wipes in sewers and advise customers about the importance of not putting certain items into the toilet, said a spokesperson for the Clean Coasts programme. The Think Before You Flush website can be viewed here.

Blockages in home and wastewater network

The Think Before You Flush campaign is operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water. "Our message is simple, only the 3 Ps – pee, poo and paper – should be flushed down the toilet. All other waste, such as wipes and kitchen roll, should go in the bin to avoid it becoming marine litter, or blockages in our home and wastewater network," it said.

"People are using more wipes than ever to keep hands and surfaces clean and to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. While it is critical that we follow the HSE guidance on hand-washing and coughing etiquette it is important that we dispose of tissues and wipes correctly," it added.

Speaking about the appeal, Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts, said: “We understand everyone’s focus is to keep safe and healthy and that there is an increase in using wipes in the home However, there is a way people can help keep the marine environment clean also.

"By making sure wipes are put in the bin and not in the toilet, people can help keep our waters and coasts safe, clean and healthy too.”

Increase in amount of wipes

Tom Cuddy, Irish Water, said: “Irish Water and our local authority partners clear hundreds of blockages every week and we are seeing an increase in the amount of wipes arriving at our treatment plants. 

"All wipes should be disposed of in the bin even wipes that are labelled as ‘flushable’. It is really important that the public help us to manage the network at this time by simply binning all wipes, gloves and masks and to only ever flush the 3 Ps (pee, poo and paper).”

To find out more about the Think Before You Flush campaign please visit the campaign website http://thinkbeforeyouflush.org/

Separately, The Story of Water documentary will air on Virgin Media One next Wednesday, July 7, and will provide an important national platform to highlight the work Irish Water is doing to address historic water infrastructure challenges including the lack of resilience in our treated water network.

Watch ‘The Story of Water’ here