Sewer Overflow Protection is a shared responsibility. Everyone can be a potential contributor to sewer problems and a potential victim of those problems. To help keep the campus, the Bay and the environment clean for the health and enjoyment of all, residents, employees, and sewer agencies must do their part to prevent and reduce the risk of a sewer overflow.
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) are one of the main causes of sewer clogs and overflows. The fats, oils and grease used in cooking regularly get washed down kitchen drains. The fats, oils, and grease build up in sewer pipes over time and create blockages. Over time, clogs and blockages may cause severe sewage backups, manhole overflows, and damage to sewage pumping stations, potentially resulting in costly repairs and harm to local waterways and the environment.
Know what you flush! “Flushable” wipes are anything but flushable. Even if products are marketed as "flushable", "disposable," or “sewer-and-septic-safe,” wipes should never be flushed.
Please note hot water, liquid soap, and garbage disposals do not grind up and wash away FOG byproducts. While “hot soapy water” serves to carry FOG byproducts a few feet down the drain, once the water starts to cool, fats, oils, and grease also cool and collect clog pipes.
Wipes, household waste, and personal hygiene products belong in the trash bin or compost (if appropriate). Unlike toilet paper, these products do not break down. When flushed down the toilet, these items bind together and may cause severe sewage backups, manhole overflows, and damage to sewage pumping stations, potentially resulting in costly repairs and harm to local waterways and the environment.
Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Even though some products such as wipes and baby diapers may claim to be flushable, they are not.
Only flush the following:
To report sewage spills or overflowing manholes, please use the Report a Safety Concern form
