Watch that Drain...

A popular TV show a few years ago traced the unexpected, often unintended "Connections" between mankind’s inventions and their later impact.

Today, an act as simple as pouring the wrong thing down the drain can make similar, unintended connections.

A good example is the quandary we all face when we hear some household substance has been taken off the market for safety or health reasons.

Take, for instance, the US EPA’s recent ban of the common pesticide dursban.
How can we safely get rid of the supply we have of that item?

Modern wastewater treatment plants like those operated by EMWD function primarily through a biological process that disposes of the sewage. A large amount of a pesticide or other harmful substance arriving at the plant through the sewer system over a relatively short period can literally "kill" a treatment plant, in some cases.

That can cause massive environmental problems, great inconvenience for an entire community, and eventual sewer rate increases to pay the bill.

It’s a lot easier than you may think to safely dispose of these materials.

Residential holders of banned substances can take those materials to a household hazardous waste collection facility in their community or wait for a hazardous substances collection event. Information about collection facilities and events in Riverside County can be obtained by calling (951) 358-5256.

That’s also a good way to dispose of those partial cans of old paint, oil and other petroleum products, and other things that accumulate in garages and under sinks.

Businesses should return banned substances to their suppliers.

Remember, it is very important that you dispose of these materials correctly. Never simply pour them down the drain or out on the ground.