Gorham and Portland Water District officials said baby wipes are clogging sewers and increasing maintenance costs.
They are asking residents not to flush baby wipes and other fibrous items like rags down toilets. For more than a year, wastewater crews from the Portland Water District have been going to Gorham to unclog sewer pumping stations. Town Manager David Cole estimated that the increased maintenance costs add $25,000 to Gorham’s annual wastewater bills.
If sewer stations malfunction, wastewater might even back up into homes, according to the Portland Water District. “Anything fibrous, like rags or disposable wipes, should not go down the drain,” said Steve Sloan, wastewater systems manager for the Portland Water District.
For more information, contact the Portland Water District at 761-8310.
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