Puerto del Rosario Council Blames Flushed Wipes for Sewer Collapse

The town hall stresses the importance of not flushing wipes after being forced to dig a six‑metre trench to restore the sanitation service on Tajo Street.

Operatives from the company Canaragua had to intervene this week on Tajo Street after a serious blockage was detected in the municipal sewage network. The obstruction was caused by a massive accumulation of wet wipes that citizens incorrectly flushed down the toilet. To access the affected pipe and restore normal service, a trench of roughly six metres in length had to be opened.

These types of waste do not disintegrate like toilet paper; they create blockages that lead to pipe failures, foul odors, damage to the treatment plant, and environmental contamination.

Institutional Coordination for the Repair

The work was carried out by Canaragua in coordination with the Municipal Services Department.

“Incidents like this could be avoided with simple gestures. Flushing wipes not only causes clogs such as the one on Tajo Street, but also jeopardises the entire municipal sewage system, which we are working hard to modernise. I call on everyone’s conscience: wipes belong in the bin, not the toilet.” – Mayor David de Vera

“These blockages are not minor inconveniences. When wipes and other waste accumulate in the network, they affect pumping stations and the treatment plant, generating repair costs that we all bear and, more seriously, causing environmental damage. The council reminds citizens that the toilet is not a waste bin.” – Councilor for Municipal Services David de León

Recommendations to Citizens

• Do not flush wet wipes, hygiene products, or any other waste.
• Dispose of such items in a trash bin.
• The town hall urges residents to act responsibly to prevent future incidents and to reduce the environmental impact on the sewage system and surrounding natural areas.

The new sanitation contract awarded to Canaragua, which provides a 24‑hour, year‑round emergency service, enabled a swift and effective response to this incident.