Ayvalık sewage system faces blockages from improper waste disposal

BASKİ officials in the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir have issued warnings regarding significant blockages in the sewage system caused by improper waste disposal. Cleaning operations conducted by the BASKİ Ayvalık Directorate revealed that wet wipes are a primary cause of these obstructions.

In addition to wet wipes, items such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels are being flushed into toilets, preventing the network from functioning correctly. These materials, particularly wet wipes containing synthetic fibers, do not dissolve easily like toilet paper.

The buildup of waste poses a severe financial risk to local infrastructure. The debris can reach pumping stations and damage expensive pumps, which can cost between 8 and 10 million Turkish Liras depending on their capacity. Authorities are urging citizens to dispose of these items in trash bins rather than flushing them down toilets to avoid infrastructure failure.