The threat of the Monster increases every time something other than paper is put down the toilet, which is why it is so important to protect the environment

The wet wipe monster exists. Aguas de Torremolinos, through its media social networks, has spent months raising public awareness of the wet wipe monster and the hazards of putting this kind of waste into the toilet, instead of the wastepaper bin. On 5 June, World Environment Day, the water company of this Costa del Sol town wants to highlight this problem, which is increasingly widespread in the drains and sewers of towns. In addition to creating a problem for residents' associations, it can slow down or obstruct the infrastructure that collects wastewater and wastewater pumping stations (treatment plants).

Despite many of the indications on the packaging, wet wipes do not decompose when they are thrown into the toilet or the drain. They take over 600 years to break down. On the way, this waste devastates the pipes of sewer networks by blocking them. All of this has an impact on the environment and on the population, with estimated costs of over 100,000 euros per year.

A set of key facts can help understand this problem and develop potential solutions.

What are wet wipes made of?

Despite what is stated on the packaging, this type of waste should not be thrown into the toilet, as wet wipes are not biodegradable and nature takes hundreds of years to break them down. Their components include cotton, polyester and a mix of chemical products that prevent them from dissolving when they come into contact with water in the sewer network. So they arrive in their original form after passing through the pumping stations that take sewage to the water treatment plant.

Where do wet wipes go?

Daily, Aguas de Torremolinos employees find problems of blockages in the city's sewer system, with a varying impact on inhabitants ranging from unpleasant smells, costs, inconvenience and problems with the service operation.

The sewer system that serves the city starts in each home and joins the drains of the rest of the residents in the block. From a block of houses, these drains are connected to the general sewer pipes that run under the streets and take wet wipes along with sewage to the pumping stations, which then drive them towards the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), where they are treated to be returned to the environment. In Torremolinos, there are currently four pumping stations distributed under the city and a sewer system with a total length of 166 kilometres.

Correct use of drains in homes does not require a lot of effort. However, either due to a lack of knowledge or carelessness, we often throw into our house's drains elements that can cause major blockages, such as wet wipes or even oils and fat that, when they mix with the chemical compounds in detergents, solidify and cause large blockages.

These obstructions mainly occur in blocks of flats and it is the residents themselves who have to resolve and pay for the solution, as these pipes belong to the neighbours' association. Every day we register more than two interventions in different parts of the city of Málaga, which translates into around 60 interventions a month or almost 720 interventions a year. The average cost of each of the actions to sort out blockages is around 150 euros, that is, approximately 100,000 euros per year. This is a high cost for residents that could be avoided.

Blockages also occur in the general sewer system. Pumping stations are often blocked by an immense accumulation of wet wipes, cotton buds and other non-biodegradable items. Aguas de Torremolinos employs up to two technical teams who work daily to ensure proper maintenance of the sewer system, and to resolve problems caused by blockages.

What can we do to avoid these 'monsters'?

In addition to correct maintenance of the sewer network, the commitment of each resident is vital to avoid this damage to the environment. A few simple recommendations need to be followed.

Use wastepaper bins in bathrooms to throw away solid waste such as wet wipes, cotton buds, tampons, sanitary towels, nappies, etc. that do not dissolve in water. The increasing use of wet wipes is becoming a real problem and is the main cause of blockages and malfunctioning of the sewer network. This, along with other waste, creates real 'monsters' under the city.

In addition to solid waste, one widespread habit is to throw used oil down the sink or toilet. The oil binds to caustic soda in laundry detergent and produces a reaction between oil and soda that creates plugs of soap in the pipes. Over time, these plugs harden and makes it impossible for water to get past, which results in a blockage.

Raising the awareness of residents is vital to avoid this problem, to increase awareness of the importance of complying with these simple norms that benefit all residents, save money and improve the environment.