When you flush, remember the three Ps

The City of Kelowna wants residents to remember the three Ps when they are…doing their business.

City staff say nothing should be flushed down the toilet other than the three Ps: pee, poop and (toilet) paper. Everything else should go in the trash can.

“We’ve been seeing an increase in items that simply shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet in our lift stations lately – things like dental floss, grease and wipes,” said Ed Hoppe, water quality and customer care supervisor. “These items contribute to clogs that cause big and costly problems down the line. We’re asking residents to only flush the 3 P’s so we can keep our systems running smoothly.”

Despite what the label might say, wipes are not flushable. Unlike toilet paper, wipes don’t break down and nor do any other items that residents mistakenly flush, such as prescription medication, tampons, paper towels or cotton swabs. Next time, throw these items in your trash can, not your toilet bowl.

Prescription medication can be returned to your pharmacy.

For additional tips on what you can do to keep the wastewater system running smoothly, visit kelowna.ca/wipesclogpipes.