City of Yachats City Council and Commission Minutes
City Council, Commission members, and City Hall: cityhall@ci.yachats.or.us

Sewer Water Quality Information

Why are wastewater treatment plants important? Because, wastewater treatment plants help us enjoy life to the fullest. They protect the public's health from disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Treatment plants actually disinfect wastewater, eliminating many harmful organisms. Second, they protect water quality so that we can enjoy clean oceans, lakes, streams and rivers. The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) establishes effluent limits for all point-source discharges in the United States. The limits imposed on each discharger are determined by the receiving water's capacity to assimilate the waste, as well as the use of the water. Water intended for drinking requires more protection than water used only for boating. All water quality should be suitable for swimming and fishing.

To help keep the Yachats sewer system running smoothly and effectively please follow these "conservation" tips.

• No Grease - Grease that is liquid when you pour it into the drain from your frying pan quickly becomes a stiff, sticky, and insoluble lump inside the pipe. Grease should never be flushed or put down sink drains.
• Avoid flushing chemicals into the wastewater treatment system. Introducing chemical compounds such as drain cleaner, paint, thinners, or other household cleaners result in imbalances at the wastewater treatment plant.
• Do not use the wastewater system to clean unwanted food from refrigerator or other solid matter. Flushing disposal diapers, items of clothing, dirt, gravel, plants, foodstuffs, or other items that do not quickly dissolve in water can harm the system.
• Try to limit use of your garbage disposal to relieve the burden on the sewer plant.
• In addition, of course, water conservation means less will go into the sewer system.
• Make sure that your gutters are not entering the sewer system. Only your sinks, bathrooms or laundry room should be connected to the sewer.