Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Careful what you flush!!

 

Last updated 11/24/2024 at 8:48am

With the annual cool-weather increase of population comes the increase of flows into Borrego Water District's Waste Water Treatment Plant. Roy Martinez, BWD WWTP Operator, reminded the Board of Directors recently that he has seen an increase in items that adversely impact operations. The most prevalent are the "FLUSHABLE" wipes. As the label states, the wipes are flushable and will go down the drain. BUT due to the type of material used, if not screened out, these wipes could damage pumps and the treatment process. Recent improvements at the WWTP have brought screening and pre treatment back up to original design standards and remove virtually all these materials, but no system is 100%.

While on the topic of what goes down the drain, the other discharge that adversely impacts WWTP processes are FOG -- FATS, OILS AND GREASE. Pouring FOG down the drain not only makes waste water treatment more difficult, it also clogs the drains in your house/business. For those who create large volumes of FOG, BWD has developed a program where local restaurants collect and have it picked up by Recycler.

For residential customers, BWD encourages alternative disposal options. The safest way to dispose of grease and fats is to collect in a container, let cool/solidify then throw into regular trash.

 
 
Rendered 02/11/2025 23:43