Keep the Wastewater System Clean

Rainbow Water maintains 9,000 water and 3,500 sewer connections, and everything flushed down the drain is processed in the wastewater system. The pipes in your home connect directly to Rainbow Water’s infrastructure and can cause backups due to clogs from foreign objects. Be part of the solution and learn how you can help keep your pipes and the wastewater system clean.

Don’t Rush to Flush

The toilet may seem like a catch all for items, however, only bodily fluids and toilet paper should be flushed. Remember if it does not come out of your body, don’t flush it down the potty. The largest contributor to system back ups are wipes and personal hygiene products.

•  There are no flushable wipes, cotton swabs, diapers, tissues, pads or paper towels that are safe for flushing. These items can cause costly and messy backups in your home and Rainbow Water’s infrastructure. 

•  Pause before disposing kitty or pet litter as there is no litter safe to flush. All animal waste should be disposed of in a bag, tied tightly and thrown in the trash. 

When in doubt throw items in the trash.

Don't Be a Pain in the Drain

Rainbow Water experiences challenges with wastewater clogs from items that do not dissolve and combine with fats, oils and grease (FOGs). Pouring FOGs down the drain causes items to stick to pipes and results in blockages. Take the time to pause before pouring anything other than water down the drain and follow the helpful tips below.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

•  Properly dispose of fats, grease and oils by allowing liquid to cool and place into a jar, container or other item to then reuse for cooking or throw in the trash. Read more helpful tips and wastewater facts on proper grease disposal below.

•  Pause before placing food and table scraps in the garbage disposal. Reduce waste by scraping food from plates and pans to recycle in a compost bin or green organics collection container.

• Remember to remove all stickers, rubber bands and ties from produce before placing in the garbage disposal. These items accumulate in the wastewater system and cause backups in the treatment process.

•  Reduce hazardous waste by not flushing or pouring medication down the drain which can leach into the wastewater system. The best way to dispose of medication is to crush and mix with coffee grounds, kitty litter or dirt before sealing them in a plastic bag and disposing of them in the trash. Customers may also dispose of unwanted or expired medication by recycling at the San Diego Sheriff’s Department’s year-round disposal kiosk at the Fallbrook Substation. Read more about the program on the San Diego Sheriff's website.

•  Dispose of household hazardous materials should not be disposed of in the toilet, drain or outside on the street where it may lead to the sewer system. Avoid pouring motor oil, pesticides, paint and solvents  down the drain. These highly toxic items cause longterm damage to the environment and should be properly disposed through household hazardous waste transfer facility. Locate a local drop off facility on Paint Cares' website and County of San Diego hazardous waste disposal website.