Show All Answers

1. Where does wastewater originate?

• Homes – human and household wastes from toilets, sinks, baths, and drains; and
• Industry, Schools, and Businesses – chemicals and other wastes from factories, food-service operations, stores, shopping centers, etc.

Each household in the U.S. typically contributes an average of 250 gallons of wastewater daily.

2. How do treatment plants protect our water?

Wastewater treatment plants:

• Remove Solids - This includes everything from rags and sticks to sand and smaller particles found in wastewater.
• Reduce Organic Matter and Pollutants - Helpful bacteria and other microorganisms are used to consume organic matter in wastewater. The bacteria and microorganisms are then separated from the water.
• Restore oxygen - Treatment facilities help ensure the water put back into our lakes or rivers has enough oxygen to support life.

3. What happens if you flush 'flushable' wipes?

The answer is a nightmare for wastewater equipment and maintenance personnel.

No matter what the packaging says, all types of wipes CLOG pipes!!!  While flushable, they do not break down and cause terrible problems in all wastewater systems, whether a utility system or a home septic system. 

These clogs restrict the flow of wastewaters from homes, businesses, and along wastewater lines, resulting in increased costs to residents and business owners and contamination to area creeks and rivers. 

The well-documented issues have appeared in news, video, and newspaper coverage from across the United States. According to one clean water agency official, the public is being duped by manufacturers into believing that "flushable" wipes are safe for use in sewer and septic systems. Flushing wipes down the toilet has become a significant problem for wastewater facility operators, and the situation has only worsened in recent years.

The problem is both operational and financial.

Blockages often occur in residential and municipal sewer systems from an accumulation of disposable wipes in wastewater treatment and collection systems. The pipes, pumps, and other equipment that process flushable waste in wastewater treatment systems are often incapable of handling such waste.

Disposable wipes have a variety of different uses – from sanitary cleansing to make-up removal. The appeal of disposable wipes is easy to dispose of and often labeled as "flushable." Many lawsuits surround whether or not wipes branded as "flushable" can biodegrade quickly enough to run efficiently through sewerage systems.

4. As your customer, what can I do to help?

• Always safely dispose of household products.
• Don’t pour solvents, pesticides, paint thinners, engine oil, or household cleaning products with hazardous chemicals down the drain.  Find your local recycling center or hazardous waste collection site.
• Cooking oils and grease should be collected in a container, covered, and disposed of as solid waste. Fats, oils, and grease collect in the sewer system and are a significant cause of blockages and sewage back-ups.
• Never dispose of old prescription medications by flushing them down the toilet. Doing so can cause possible contamination of soil and groundwater.
• Make sure you use fertilizers and pesticides carefully.  Always follow the directions.

5. Stay informed.

• Be educated about your local water supplies and any possible threats the water supply faces. Know what your community does to protect your water supply. Help other citizens be aware of the importance of clean water in your community.
• Practice water conservation at home and work. Fix leaks and install water-saving devices and appliances. Be aware of how much water you use in your household. Never take this valuable resource for granted.