The Town’s wastewater collection system is comprised of a network of pipes and pumping stations that collect sewer from individual homes and businesses throughout our community. The pipes are arranged to allow the sewer to flow by gravity to a water reclamation facility. Wastewater pumping stations are strategically installed to help move wastewater in low lying areas to the water reclamation facility. Sewer systems face problems when trash and debris accumulate in pipes or in pumping stations. Excessive accumulations of trash and debris can lead to blockages and clogged pumps.

Don't Rush to Flush - Put Trash in its Place

Sewer systems face problems when trash and debris accumulate in pipes or in pumping stations. Excessive accumulations of trash and debris can lead to blockages and clogged pumps. The toilet is the most common route in which trash and debris enters the sewer system.

Some of the most common items found in the sewer system that do not belong include:

• Sanitary wipes (baby wipes, cleaning wipes, wet wipes, towelettes, acne pads)
• Paper towels (hand drying paper towels, tri-fold paper towels)
• Feminine hygiene products (sanitary napkins, applicators, wrappers)
• Dental floss
• Plastic bags

The Town would like to remind citizens and businesses not to use the toilet as a trash can and to place a wastebasket in bathrooms to dispose of trash.

What about products that are advertised as flushable?

There are a number of personal hygiene and cleaning products on the market that are advertised as “flushable.” While such a claim may be technically true, these items don't often break down as quickly or efficiently as normal toilet paper, causing it to accumulate in the system. Although these products are able to pass through the toilet and may even leave your home's plumbing system, it is still possible to cause damage somewhere else down the line.

Keeping “flushable” sanitary wipes and cleaning products out of the sewer system will help ensure that these products do not accumulate and contribute to costly sewer blockages and environmentally damaging overflows.