City officials in Santa Barbara are asking residents to throw wipes into the trash can instead of flushing them down the toilet.
Wastewater workers say they've seen a substantial increase in the number of wipes and paper towels being flushed since the pandemic began.
The wipes don't break down causing them to get stuck in pipes and increase the risk of sewage spills.
Even wipes labeled as flushable do not break down in the sewer system.
Officials say damage can be costly for private plumbing systems, sometimes upwards of $540 for a property owner.
Wastewater managers say the only things that should be flushed are human waste and toilet paper.
SLO Co. Public Works officials reminded people about the same issues last month.
City of Santa Barbara
