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Sewers overflow with wet wipes and tissues due to coronavirus-induced toilet roll shortage in Australia

The flushing of toilet paper alternatives is resulting in wastewater spills of more than 20,000 liters of water
UPDATED MAR 20, 2020
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australians are paying for costly drain blockages as the result of a toilet paper drought amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The flushing of toilet paper alternatives is resulting in wastewater spills of more than 20,000 liters of water, as per a statement by water and waste services provider Coliban Water on Tuesday.

As fear grips Australia amid the deadly outbreak, supermarkets across the nation have sold out of toilet paper as customers continue to panic-buy essential items, Daily Mail Australia reports.

A man with toilet paper is seen leaving Woolworths supermarket in Balmain on March 17, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. Australian supermarket shelves are being regularly stripped bare of products due to panic-buying as people stock up over growing fears over coronavirus. (Getty Images)

As a result of the shortage, people are turning to tissues, wet wipes, or even paper towels while visiting the loo. According to Coliban Water, an extensive and expensive repair will follow if people continue to throw these alternatives into the drain.

"We know they all look flushable, but the reality is, not all paper is created equally," said Steve Dunlop, manager of customer operations. "Most of these products are designed to absorb water, not break down. They block the system and cost customers money."

Now, the company is reminding customers "only the three Ps can be flushed; pee, poo, and toilet paper."

According to Coliban Water, sewer spills could cost around AUD 1.4 million ($ 0.84 million) to repair each year.

Meanwhile, Sydney Water is also urging customers not to throw items into the toilet shank and to use the bin instead.

A woman was forced to get her private pipes repaired last month after clogging them by flushing wet wipes and facial tissues down the toilet. The plumbing bill came up to a staggering AUD 16,000 ($ 9,651).

"People would be very surprised to know that facial tissues, although they are made from fine materials, do not break down and should not be flushed," Sydney Water spokesperson Jackson Vernon said. 

Passengers arrive at Sydney International Airport on January 23, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)

Other items that should never be flushed down the toilet include make-up wipes, cleaning wipes, cigarette butts, cotton buds, nappies, sanitary pads, condoms, dental floss, left-over medication, as well as hair.

The news comes as several shopping outlets have limited toilet paper purchases to just one pack per customer after shelves have been stripped bare amid coronavirus fears.

Coles and Woolworths are both struggling to refill their shelves owing to short supply, and have now announced further limits on certain products to stay afloat.

They have also announced a dedicated shopping hour for senior citizens before the stores open for the public, so they can stock up on essential items with ease.

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