Show All Answers

1. Is it okay to flush wet wipes and other products labeled "flushable"?

No. These products, ranging from wipes to toilet cleaners, do not break down easily in the sewer system the way toilet paper does.

"Flushable" wipes, paper towels, and other fibrous material can clog pipes or tangle into massive knots that damage pumps. In severe cases, a clogged sewer line or damaged pump can lead to a sewer overflow.

You can help prevent clogs in your plumbing and the public sewer system by only flushing human waste and toilet paper--put everything else in the trash!

2. Is it okay to flush old medications?

No. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to remove pharmaceuticals, so flushing them can introduce these compounds into the water environment, where they can impact wildlife and sources of drinking water.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends disposing of expired medications in the trash. To prevent tampering, take the medicine out of its original container and mix with coffee grounds or kitty litter in a plastic bag or other container. FDA drug disposal guidelines

3. How does grease clog the sewer system?

Grease hardens as it cools. Even when mixed with hot water, the grease will separate out and settle in plumbing systems and sewer lines. Over time, grease accumulation can severely reduce the capacity of a pipe or block it completely, sometimes resulting in sewer back-ups or overflows.

Dispose of fats, oils, and grease by pouring it into a container and putting it in the trash.

4. How is wastewater treated?

Visit this page for a video and overview of the treatment process.

5. What is activated sludge and how does it clean the wastewater?

“Activated sludge” is a mass of microorganisms that digest organic material in wastewater. The microorganisms clean the wastewater by digesting organic materials and other contaminants. Wastewater remains in aeration basins for about three hours to allow time for the microorganisms to grow and consume the bacteria.