his past weekend, there have been a number of toilet backups and raw sewage overflows in Founders Residence Hall. The cause of this problem seems to be linked to feminine hygiene products being flushed in the drain lines.

“The only steps that can be taken and would make all the difference is an awareness by those who use the facilities. The sheer volume of these items present when a backup occurs and needs cleared by our plumbing department indicates that these items aren’t accidently finding their way into the sewage system,” Environmental Services Supervisor Barry Eckinger said. Ellen Wilson, a resident assistant in Founders D, said, “The laundry room and one of the bathrooms on my floor flooded simultaneously. It was quite an experience.”

The problem at hand has mainly affected Founders; however, it is a campus-wide issue. Last week there were four entire building mains clogged. “This is a behavioral issue that would be easily resolved if those using the facilities disposed of the items properly. Sanitary receptacles are provided in one form or another,” Eckinger said. The Facilities Management Office points out that the same rules should be followed in all facilities: residential, academic, athletic and administrative. “Maggie Flynn, the area coordinator for Founders, sent all of the residents an email explaining the situation and urging people not to flush feminine hygiene products down the toilet,” Wilson said.