Discarded facemasks are appearing on the streets and in the city's sewer system (paNOW Staff)

By Joanie Olson

mask problems

Disposable masks risk blocking P.A. sewer lines

Mar 18, 2021 | 1:34 PM

Disposable face masks are meant to keep residents safe during the pandemic but they’re now also causing problems for the City of Prince Albert and potentially for homeowners.

According to a media release from the City, masks in the sewer lines are creating blockages.

The City’s water and sewer manager, Geoff Soderberg, wants people to stop flushing masks down the toilet.

“Just as of recently we have been noticing more masks. I don’t know why but recently there has been more and it has been causing us some issues with the sewer lines,“ Soderberg explained.

He noted paper towel and everything else that is not toilet paper and human waste can also cause blockages in the sewer lines. The city said anything else down your toilet or sink is illegal and goes against the city’s bylaws.

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Items such as diapers, sanitary napkins, kitchen grease, combs, hair, plastic materials, oil, sump pump water or newspaper rags and cloths can all cause a blocked line. Even wipes and tissues can clog your sewer lines.

Masks cannot be recycled and should only be disposed of in household garbage bins.

It’s not only sewer lines disposable masks can compromise. According to Soderberg the masks can interfere with storm drainage by blocking basins and not allowing the water to run through fluently.

As for masks littered on the city’s streets, director of public works, Wes Hicks, said anything disposable should be disposed of properly in the garbage.

“All residents of the city should always make sure to pick up litter around your property,” he said.

Hicks referred the public to the City of Prince Albert’s website.

“There are good instructions in what not to flush down the toilet because those types of things can plug up sewers throughout the city and it’s not just disposable masks,” Hicks explained.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @olsen_joani