Will it Flush

Last month we looked at stormwater runoff and how it impacts water quality. This month, we’ll look at indoor water and our sewer system.

Unlike stormwater (which flows untreated into streams, rivers, and lakes), water from your indoor plumbing flows into our sewer system. From there, it flows to a sewage treatment plant and is ultimately discharged into the environment.

But just because the water is treated doesn’t mean it’s safe to throw anything you want down the drain!

One of the most common causes of sewer blockages are fats, oils, and grease. These blockages cause sewers to overflow into waterways and backup into nearby homes and businesses. For fats and greases that can solidify, wait for them to cool down and dispose of in the normal trash. Used cooking oils can be collected in a sealed container and again disposed of in the normal trash. (Remember, automotive oil should be disposed of at your local auto parts store!)

Other materials that should not be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet include pharmaceuticals. Our sewage treatment plants are not effective at removing these substances from water. There is a permanent prescription drug drop-off location at the Hilliard Police Department (5171 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard, OH 43026). Or join the Hilliard PD for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a full list of Franklin County locations, visit http://www.swaco.org/196/Pharmaceutical.

Finally, it should be reasonably obvious, but don’t flush trash down the toilet. Items such as paper towels, cleaning wipes, straws, etc. can clog pipes and cause sewer backups. Please recycle or reuse items where possible and throw non-recyclable waste items in the trash.

Got any other tips? Share them below.