City of Warren issued the following announcement on April 9.
One Water partnership reminds Southeast Michigan residents to properly use sewer and septic systems.
SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, has teamed with the Alliance of Rouge Communities, the Freshwater Forum at the Cranbrook Institute of Science and the Great Lakes Water Authority to provide a One Water message to share with residents. Misuse of wastewater systems associated with COVID-19 has caused issues in Southeast Michigan and across the country.
“Flushable wipes,” household disinfecting wipes, latex gloves, and other products all create blockages in household pipes and municipal sewer systems and should never be flushed down the toilet. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed.
The One Water partnership offers these reminders to prevent backups and promote stewardship of our water resources systems:
- Fats, oils, and greases used when cooking can make food tasty, but they gum up our wastewater systems.
- Pour fats, oils, and greases (FOG) into covered containers and cans, and dispose of them in the trash when full. Wipe down pots and pans with a paper towel to remove any remaining FOG. Scrape food and scraps into the trash when possible.
- Avoid flushing medications down the toilet or drain when another safe option is available.
- Dispose of feminine products, tissues, paper towels, “flushable” wipes, and other trash in the garbage.
- Only flush the Three Ps down the toilet: pee, poop, and paper.