Wastewater

Wipes Clog Pipes

Please remember to not flush anything other than the 3 P’s (pee, poo and toilet paper).Avoid sewer backups and protect your pipes. Dispose of these items in the trash and NOT the toilet.

  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Baby wipes
  • Towelettes
  • Paper towels
  • Facial tissue

 Many of these products are marketed as flushable, but often times are not compatible with sewer systems and infrastructure. Other products are not intended to be flushed but end up being improperly disposed of in the toilet. Wipes can catch on tree roots and accumulate with fats, oils and grease and become large obstructions in the pipes. Further down the line, they weave together and create giant rags which get stuck in pumps, collection systems, and motors, causing backups and equipment failures.

Fight F.O.G.

FOG

F.O.G. Buildup is Dangerous to You and the Environment

F.O.G. is not broken down by garbage disposals. When you pour F.O.G. down your kitchen sink, it enters the sewer system where it cools and eventually congeals into a solid “ball” of grease. These balls cause blockages in the sewer system, posing dangerous health and environmental risks and increasing costs for you, the customer. Blockages in the sewer system can cause raw sewage to back up into your home or your neighbors’ homes. Blockages also and spill into creeks, rivers, and streams, causing significant environmental damage.

Preventing Problems from Fats, Oils and Grease Buildup

Never pour fats, oils or grease in sink drains or toilets. You can prevent F.O.G by following these simple tips:

  • SCRAPE grease solids directly into a lined trash can.
  • POUR cooled liquid grease into a sealed container.
  • WIPE the remaining grease and debris with a paper towel and throw in the trash.

FAQs

What does a wastewater treatment plant do?

Treatment plants remove impurities contained in wastewater so that the treated wastewater can be safely returned to the environment. This same purification process occurs in nature to break down wastewater into its most basic components of carbon dioxide and water. Common methods of treatment include physical, biological, and chemical treatment to stabilize the water.

Where does the water go once it’s treated?

Environmental regulations developed by the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service require the discharge of a portion of our treated water to Cooper’s Creek for continued beneficial use by riparian habitat. The remaining highly treated recycled water can be transferred to our partners who may use it for the irrigation of parks, golf courses, and other landscaping needs, as well as use for groundwater recharge projects.