nola | Toilet paper shortages – and hoarding – during the coronavirus
outbreak have apparently led to the clogging of New Orleans area sewer
pipes, as residents have increasingly turned to nonflushable paper in
the bathroom.
The Sewerage & Water Board said Friday it has
been dealing with more sewer backups than normal, and urged residents to
"think before they flush."
"As a reminder, only human waste and
toilet paper are flushable," an S&WB spokeswoman said. "Baby wipes,
paper towels, and even 'flushable' wipes may clog your sewer line and
cause overflows."
The Jefferson Parish sewerage officials said the same thing this
week. Residents living in apartments and other concentrated areas need
to be especially careful.
The backups come as New Orleans area
grocers have struggled in recent weeks to keep toilet paper in stock.
Shoppers at Walmart, Rouses and elsewhere have been seen filling entire
carts with the toilet paper packages that have been placed on shelves.
Others seeking the household staple have had to go without. The scenario
has led to physical fights in some stores, and now, to sewer backups.
