Some of the underwear that has caused blockages at the Eureka Street wastewater pump station in Alexandra. Photo: Supplied/Central Otago District Council
Flushed underwear is causing a big stink in Central Otago, where it has cost the district council more than $3600 since May 2023.
There have been 11 blockages involving underwear at the Eureka Street wastewater pump station in Alexandra during that period.
The council said it was usually children's underwear sizes six to 12.
Parents and caregivers were urged to talk to their children about what could and couldn't be flushed.
It had cost $3669.37 to clear the blockages since last May, but that did not factor in this week's underwear flushing, the council said in a post on Facebook.
It released a map showing the rough area the culprits were in, and said caregivers should remind their children that only pee, poo and toilet paper could be flushed.
"Blockages caused by incorrectly flushing wet wipes, sanitary items and putting cooking fats and oils down the kitchen drain all contribute to elevated operational cost to the community."