Dear Residents,

As the head of the Wastewater Department, I want to bring an important issue to your attention that affects everyone in our community: what we flush down our toilets.

Our crews work hard every day to keep our sewer system running smoothly. However, we are seeing more and more clogs caused by items that should never be flushed – especially wipes (even those labeled "flushable") and rags.

Here’s why this is a big problem:

• Wipes Don't Break Down: Unlike toilet paper, wipes are strong. They do not dissolve in water. This means they build up in our pipes and at our pumping stations, causing severe blockages.
• Costly Damage: These clogs force our pumps to work harder and can cause them to break down. Repairing or replacing these vital pieces of equipment is very expensive and can lead to higher operating costs for our community.
• Messy Backups: In the worst cases, these blockages can cause sewage to back up into homes or overflow into our environment.

How You Can Help:

It's simple: If it's not toilet paper, please put it in the trash. This includes all types of wipes (baby wipes, cleaning wipes, "flushable" wipes), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and rags. Your trash can is the proper place for these items.

By making this small change, you play a huge part in protecting our environment, preventing costly repairs, and keeping our wastewater system working for everyone.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Shaun Kern, Wastewater Superintendent