Summer 2014 w MRWA TODAY 57

What can you do with water

and a thin margin for error?

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The main function of a sanitarysewer system is to handle andprocess bodily wastes.

So what items commonly flushed shouldn’t be?The list is long and is causing problems in sanitarysewer systems nationwide. These items shouldNEVER be flushed down the toilet:

LFats, Oils, and Grease (known as FOG)Fats, oils, and grease are a by-product of cookingand the restaurant industry. FOG accumulates inthe sewer pipes and hardens, causing sewer clogs.

LRags, disposable wipes, and personal cleansing cloths

Some of these products are marketed as flushablebut they do not break down properly in the waste-water system and cause blockages and ruinedequipment.

LKleenex and tissuesThese are designed to stay together when wet(i.e. when you blow your nose) and do notdissolve as easily in the wastewater system.

LUnused pharmaceuticals and medications (both prescription and non-prescription)

Wastewater systems are not designed to removethe chemicals that make up these medications. The chemicals end up back in the water aquifersand waterways with unintended consequences ofhumans and animals consuming these chemicals.Fish and wildlife are being adversely affected bythese chemicals that end up in the water. Disposeof your unused medications in the trash or at yourlocal hazardous waste facility.

LPaints, solvents, and any hazardous materials

Household hazardous waste should be brought to alocal hazardous waste collection site.

LGarbage, plastic items (i.e. tampon applicators), ‘flushable’ kitty litter

They do not break down properly in the waste-water system and cause blockages and ruinedequipment.

Toilet are not trash cans! The cost to maintain andrepair the wastewater system means a higher sewerbill for customers. The damage can be extensiveand can cause unintended environmental damage,

as well as sewer backups. A hasslefor you and a hassle for the waste-water operations specialists.

For more information on Fats,Oils, and Grease and personalcleansing wipes that are cloggingthe wastewater systems, check outMRWA’s wastewater blog on ourweb site at:www.mrwa.com/wastewater.html.

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