Drains and sewers are in danger of becoming blocked as people use wet wipes, paper towels - and possibly even newspaper - because they can't find loo roll at the supermarket.

Water companies in the UK and Australia have warned against using alternatives which are unflushable.

They say if there is no other option, wipes and kitchen roll should be disposed of in the bin.

Social media campaigns are urging people to stick to toilet roll as some people panic-buy and strip shelves bare during the coronavirus outbreak.

Image: South West Water published this image as it warned customers not to use toilet paper alternatives

South West Water tweeted: "Let's work together. Please don't flush kitchen roll, wet wipes or newspaper down the loo as these can cause major blockages in our sewers.


"Only flush the #3Ps - pee, paper and poo. Anything else, throw in the bin."

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Thames Water said on Facebook: "We're reminding everyone to help us by not flushing wet wipes / kitchen roll down their toilets if they're affected by a toilet paper shortage or simply want to get rid of used wipes & other cleaning products from their homes.

"Instead, they should be thrown in the bin. Thank you."

Severn Trent added that while wipes and kitchen roll may seem "harmless" they "don't break down as toilet paper does".

"That can cause flooding in roads, homes and businesses. It's the last thing we want you to experience in difficult and challenging times like these," said the company.

"Please put wet wipes or kitchen roll in a bin if you use them, don't flush them."

Water companies in Australia - which has seen supermarket brawls due to panic buying - have issued similar warnings.

Coliban Water in Victoria said a blockage in the system, caused by wet wipes and paper towels, spilled into Bendigo Creek at Long Gully at the weekend.

It said around 20,000 litres of waste water spilled into the creek, leading to an "extensive clean-up and cost".

The battle for loo roll in Australia

"We know they all look flushable, but the reality is, not all paper is created equally," said Steve Dunlop, customer operations manager.

"Most of these products are designed to absorb water, not break down. They block the system and cost customers as well as Coliban Water money.

"We can't emphasise enough the consequences of sewer spills to both the environment and the community. The cost to Coliban Water to remove blockages and clean up spills is a cost to all of us."

He added: "Foreign objects can also block plumbing on your own property, costing you money, time and inconvenience of repair and clean-up."

North East Water and Sydney Water have issued similar warnings.

Governments around the world have told people not to panic buy, but many are doing the opposite.

Some supermarkets in the UK have now enforced restrictions on essentials including toilet paper and soap.