Johnson City Sewer Customers Back Up the System

In the wake of a shortage of toilet paper on many store shelves and the supply problem continuing, some residents are turning to less-acceptable means of dealing with cleaning up "the call of nature."

The Village of Johnson City says there is a problem with the sewer system getting clogged up due to people flushing things other than toilet paper.

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The Village issued a statement March 20:

"We understand the situation with the shortage of toilet paper, but ask that you please do not put paper towels, un-flushable wipes or other non-flushable items in the toilet. We have already had several sewer calls about clogs and they are due to un-flushable items. An alternative, possibly put the un-flushable items in the garbage cans for disposal. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Many municipalities in the region are dealing with aging infrastructures and have been dealing with water main breaks recently.  Sewer lines, in many cases are also sometimes decades old and could be susceptible to damage or failure due to undue strain.