The Jefferson Parish Department of Sewage is warning residents not to flush disinfectant wipes and/or paper towels into the sewer system, keeping sewer systems up and running is crucial during the COVID-19 outbreak. People should not flush disinfectant wipes and/or paper towels down toilets. These materials clog drains, back up sewers and cause overflows and stoppages.

The problem with these materials has risen significantly because of increased use during this current COVID-19 outbreak. Wipes have long been a serious problem because the collection system depends on gravity flow and are not designed to deal with paper towels or wipes, even when labeled as “flushable”. These items do not break down like toilet paper. Apartment complexes are of particular concern due to the concentrated number of people being serviced by the system.

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit http://www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov).