A survey conducted by TasWater has revealed some interesting and amusing insights into the toilet habits of Tasmanians.
According to the survey, 19.8% of Tasmanians have dropped their phone in the toilet, while 7.8% had dropped their jewellery, 6.3% had dropped their keys and 1.4% had dropped their toothbrush.
The survey also found that scrolling through social media while on the toilet has overtaken reading a book, newspaper or magazine as the preferred activity, but contemplating “the mysteries of the universe” remains on top at 47%.
When it comes to toilet paper preferences, 74% of Tasmanians fold it rather than scrunch it, which is right on the national average.
39% of Tasmanians say they close the lid before flushing, while an unfleshed toilet remains Tasmanians’ “biggest toilet pet peeve”.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Callan Paske said the company has “seen just about everything dropped in the toilet” and was surprised by the number of dentures found at treatment plants.
“Tasmanians should be aware of the 3Ps, pee, poo and paper and they are the only things that go down the toilet,” Paske said.
The company is encouraging people to think before they flush, saying sanitary items like wet wipes and cotton buds that get flushed down the toilet cause “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in damage to critical infrastructure each year.
“These foreign objects in the sewerage system can also present a challenge to ensure we keep raw sewage out of our precious environment,” Paske said.
“Wet wipes and other items can also block and damage pipes on the customer side potentially causing damage to their homes.”
TasWater say they are investing $1.9 billion in their network over the next five years to ensure it can continue to deliver water and sewerage services for a growing state.
