Sanitary sewers continue to be one of the greatest public health initiatives of modern times. The primary reason for developing sanitary sewers was to dispose of waste away from drinking water sources. In days of old, waste of all kinds – human, kitchen, laundry – were disposed of in streets, backyards, nearby creeks, you name it. A visit to Historic Williamsburg will show you how 18th century residents took care of their sewage – chamber pots indoors and an outhouse at the back of the yard.
Many of the early sewers just provided a way to move the sewage to a nearby river or creek; there was no treatment provided then. Today’s modern sanitary sewer treatment plants, like HRSD’s facilities, process the waste so that it is clean enough to send back into the natural waters. However, there are no fairies at the treatment plant nor in the collection system to magically unstop, unplug, unclog, and dissolve fats, oils or grease buildup that businesses and homes “send down the drain.” The most effective remedy for this condition is prevention.
While you celebrate this happy season and entertain family and friends, remember not to expect a sewer fairy to keep your sanitary sewer pipes – and the region’s pipes – flowing. Just wipe dishes before you wash, collect cooking grease in a can and throw it away, limit usage of the garbage disposal (if ever there was a misnomer that is it!) and enjoy fat-free drains. Fairies belong only in children’s books.
This article was written by Jerry Hoddinott from the City of Chesapeake Department of Public Utilities.