LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sewage systems are impacted as consumers flush disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and napkins, an unintended consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wipes get caught on misaligned pipe joints choking sewer lines and wrapping around pump motors, causing clogs, excessive strain, and infrastructure damage. These clogs can result in overflows of raw sewage into local rivers and lakes, and creating backups into people's homes. Significant blockages often require municipal staff to clear them, at a time when efforts and tax dollars need to be focused on critical services. "Wastewater treatment facilities around the state already are reporting issues with their sewer management collection systems," the California State Water Board said in a statement. "Wipes are among the leading causes of sewer system backups, impacting sewer system and treatment plant pumps and treatment systems."