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Kentucky American Water Reminds Customers Not to Flush Wipes Down the Toilet

LEXINGTON, Ky., (March 25, 2020) – With many stores running low on toilet paper these days due to the COVID-19 health emergency, many households are increasing their use of “flushable” wipes, but Kentucky American Water encourages customers not to flush these items down the toilet.

“Even though many wipes are labeled ‘flushable’ or ‘biodegradable,’ they can lead to sewer backups and in-home plumbing issues when flushed down toilets. The same is true for paper towels,” said David Farrar, vice president of operations. “These items can clog sewer pipes over time and get caught in equipment at wastewater treatment plants because they don’t degrade quickly like regular toilet tissue, and that can cause lots of problems.”

In addition, items such as baby wipes, dental floss, cotton balls, diapers and feminine hygiene products should not be flushed down toilets either.

“In short, the only items that should be flushed down a toilet are toilet paper and human waste,” Farrar added.

Kentucky American Water operates wastewater – or sewer – treatment facilities in Bourbon, Clark, Franklin and Owen counties.

About Kentucky American Water
Kentucky American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people. Visit www.kentuckyamwater.com and follow Kentucky American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Susan Lancho
External Affairs Manager
859-268-6332
susan.lancho@amwater.com

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