Massive blockage due to wet wipes in Benidorm

In the popular holiday resort of Benidorm, a huge blockage has been caused by no less than 300 tons of wet wipes that have ended up in the sewer. The damage to pumping systems and water treatment plants has already cost the municipality more than 380,000 euros.

Benidorm, visited by 832,000 British holidaymakers each year and home to over 3,300 British expats, is facing a growing problem with non-biodegradable wipes. Research has shown that 90% of all solids in the sewerage system come from wet wipes, leading to a breakdown at the Severo Ochoa pumping station.

Days of work to unclog pipes

Technicians and municipal workers worked for several days to clear the pipes. Flushing wet wipes causes major blockages and disruptions in the sewer system, which is both harmful to the environment and costly for the municipality.

Awareness campaign must address problem

To prevent further damage, the Benidorm council has teamed up with the water company Hidraqua. Together, they have launched an awareness campaign called ‘Stop Wipes from Being News’. Through digital screens and billboards in tourist areas, the public is informed about the consequences of flushing wet wipes away.

Water treatment plants can largely filter the wipes out of the water during dry periods, but this comes at a high cost. However, during heavy rainfall this system does not work optimally, causing the wipes to end up in the sea and on the beaches.

Call to residents and tourists

The municipality emphasizes that the solution lies primarily with the residents and visitors of Benidorm. Awareness and cooperation are essential to solve this problem. By no longer flushing wet wipes down the toilet, future blockages can be prevented and damage to the environment can be limited.

Advertising in Benidorm and surroundings? Read all the ins and outs here!