Loo the right thing – only flush the three Ps

Repeated faults at the Blue Dolphin sewage pump station are prompting a reminder for people connected to the Ōpononi wastewater network to flush only three Ps - pee, poo and toilet paper.

Over the past two months, wastewater pumps have repeatedly become clogged with cotton-based materials and other non-flushable items, reducing pump efficiency and requiring frequent maintenance.

The materials can wrap around pump impellers, a problem known as “ragging”, causing pumps to work less effectively and increasing the risk of equipment failure. While no wastewater spill has occurred to date, the frequency of the blockages is creating operational impacts and increasing the risk of an overflow if a blocked pump cannot be attended to promptly.

Council contractor, Ventia, has investigated the issue and spoken directly with several businesses and organisations in the area but has not identified the source of the material and the problem continues.

Residents and businesses are being reminded that wipes (including those marketed as “flushable”), paper towels, sanitary products, nappies, cotton materials, rags, cloths and other household waste should never be flushed down the toilet.

Keeping non-flushable items out of the wastewater network helps prevent blockages, protect pumps from damage and reduce the risk of wastewater overflows. An overflow could affect public health, the environment, local waterways and kaimoana gathering areas, as well as tourism and nearby businesses.

You can read more about wipes in pipes here.