What you can do to Prevent Wastewater Overflows

• Never put oils, liquid or solid greases, fatty meat, or other food scraps down a drain – even if you use a motorized garbage disposal.
• Never flush paper towels, cotton swabs, matchsticks, or similar items.
• Never use hot water to melt grease so it will go down the drain easier.
• Never flush any of the items listed above down a toilet.

Always

• Always keep grease out of wash water by scraping dishes before washing.
• Always remove solidified grease from kitchen utensils, equipment, wares, and food preparation areas with scrapers or paper towels. Dispose of scrapings and towels in trash cans.
• Always allow hot liquid grease to solidify and dispose of properly.
• Always place all food scraps in trash collection containers.
• Always recycle restaurant grease by using contract rendering services and have grease traps cleaned and serviced frequently.

Report

• Report trucks discharging liquids or other substances into open municipal sewer manholes.
• Report acts of vandalism on manholes, sewer lines, lift stations, hydrants, and other structures.
• Report illegal dumping of toxic, corrosive, or flammable substances into manholes, drains, or toilets.
• Report such incidences to: Troutman Public Utilities at (704) 528-7616 (M-F; 8am-5pm) or 704-682-3835 (after hours and weekends)