What Breaks Down in the Sewer System?

Recommended Ages: 8+
This project investigated which materials break down in the sewer system. I tested household soaps, toilet paper, and baby wipes. The only type of material that broke down completely over time was the toilet paper. The baby wipes remained the same, and the household soaps broke apart but left the grease at the bottom. These results show why flushing certain materials and household products can cause clogged sewer systems that lead to expensive repairs. I wanted to highlight the importance of only flushing toilet paper to help protect our water and wastewater infrastructures.
Enjoy a hands-on experiment at the end.