Keep Your Drains Open and Our Oceans Free of Pollution.
Keeping our sewer system free from fats, oils and grease (FOG) is an important way to prevent added pollution in our waterways and oceans. How? As FOG accumulates and creates blockages in your home’s wastewater system, sewage can overflow through a manhole, cleanout and/or broken pipe and into our storm water drain system and waterways. Where do waterways drain? Directly into the ocean.
Not only can sewage spills cause health hazards and damage to your home, they threaten the environment, local waterways, and beaches. There’s a lot you can do to keep your wastewater systems clear and our ocean free of pollution. Here are a few tips:
- Never pour grease, cooking oil, or fat down the sink. They can clog drains and cause sewer pipes to back up.
- Cool down your cooking oil, grease, or fat and pour them into a container with a secure lid.
- Wipe out pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them; you will use less soap and decrease clogs.
- Dispose of food scraps in the trash, not down garbage disposals and drains.
What should I do in the event of a sewer spill?
If you witness a sewer spill or see evidence that a spill has occurred, please contact the Public Works Agency at 714-647-3380.