Important Information on “What Not to Flush”

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Important Information on “What Not to Flush”

Residents of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 47 (FBCMUD47),

One of the major issues all wastewater treatment facilities run into due to solid waste is clogged pipes and damage to the solid waste grinder. Clogged pipes, damaged solid waste grinders and broken pumps are not only inconvenient for all residents, but all can be very costly to repair. Over the last several weeks, the District has had to repair, replace and unclog/clear various components of the wastewater system. These repairs alone cost the District $1,500 – $2,000+ each time needed. The District’s goal is to eliminate those unexpected costs by helping residents understand what is and is not safe to flush.

Residents can help keep the wastewater system working properly by being aware of what they are flushing down their toilets and drains each day. Here is a simple list of items that should NOT be put down the drain or flushed down the toilet:

  • “Flushable” Wipes – This might be confusing because of the name but “flushable” wipes are not actually flushable. These types of wipes easily get caught in the wastewater treatment plant screens and filters which can result in costly repairs for the District. The best thing to do with these types of wipes is to dispose of them in a waste receptacle in your home. Examples of wipes: (baby wipes, makeup remover wipes, all-purpose cleaning wipes, adult wipes)
  • Hygiene Products – Products such as tampons, feminine pads, Cotton balls or Cotton Swabs (Q- Tips), and dental floss are all examples of things that should not be flushed down the sink or toilet. These products can easily clump together causing major clogs in the wastewater treatment system. The best thing to do with these products is to dispose of them in a waste receptacle in your home.
  • Cooking Grease / Food – While cooking grease and other foods look harmless to send down the drain, they can congeal and clog up your pipes. The best thing to do is to carefully collect grease in a glass jar and either dispose of it in a waste receptacle or keep it for further use.

In conclusion, the only things which should be flushed down the drain or toilet are wastewater, toilet paper, and human waste. By following these simple guidelines, residents can save numerous amounts of expenses for their wastewater treatment facility each year. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the District through our https://www.fbmud47.org/contact/

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This article was sent out using Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 47’s Priority Messaging Alerts System.

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WaterSense – Defeating Water Waste Since 2006

WaterSense was created in 2006 to fight water waste by arming consumers and businesses across the country with high-performing, water-saving products, water conservation tips, efficient homes, and innovative programs. Since 2006, WaterSense and its more than 2,000 partner organizations have helped save 3.4 trillion gallons of water. That is enough water to supply all American households for four months! In 2018 alone, WaterSense labeled products and homes saved 725 billion gallons of water.

Along with tremendous water savings, the WaterSense program has contributed to energy and money savings on utility bills. By reducing the amount of energy needed to treat, pump, and heat water, WaterSense has helped consumers save 462.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, which is enough energy to power more than 44.4 million homes, in the past 12 years. In another heroic effort, WaterSense has helped save $84.2 billion on residential utility bills since 2006.

In addition to winning the war on water waste, 2018 was an action-packed year for the program, as WaterSense was formally authorized by the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 to promote water efficiency through adoption of WaterSense labeled products and other practices. Thanks to our partner organizations who help conquer water waste each year, making this program a success!

Read the full 2018 WaterSense Accomplishments Report.

(From https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-current-summer-2019#Defeating)