Wastewater User Guidelines & Regulations

Wastewater

What is it?

Wastewater is the water from the toilet, sink, shower, bathtub, and washing machine in your home or business. It flows into the sanitary sewer system into Westfield to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Where it is treated and discharged to the Westfield River. In areas where municipal sewer service is unavailable, wastewater is treated by a private septic system.

Sanitary Sewers are dedicated to transporting wastewater, or sewage, though a series of pipes and pumping station(s) before being processed at the treatment plant.

Septic Systems are individual wastewater treatments systems that use soil to treat wastewater flows, usually from individual homes. They are typically used in rural or large lot settings where centralized wastewater treatment is impractical.

Why is it important?

Improperly managed wastewater can pollute public water supplies and the environment. Blockages in the sanitary sewer and in private septic systems can cause sewage overflows, and repairs/replacements of these systems can be costly.

What happened if these rules are not followed?

If prohibited materials are discharged into your sewer system which results in damage to your grinder pump and/or blockage of your sewer line, you will be charged a fee for the repair.

Fats, Oils and Grease

Fats, Oils and Grease (F.O.G.) from food preparation can build up in sewer pipes and cause blockages, backups and overflows. Sources of F.O.G. include gravy, sauces, soups, cooking oil, butter, margarine, lard, shortening, milk, cream, mayonnaise, food scraps and oil/drippings from cooked meats. Wastewater and sewage overflows caused by F.O.G. blockages can harm public welfare, damage personal property and pollute the environment.

Tips for proper handling of F.O.G. and keeping drains clog free:

• Pour fats, oil and grease into a container to store in the freezer and then put it in the trash once it hardens.
• Use a paper towel to wipe down greasy dishes before washing.
• Put food scraps in compost bin or trash.

Restaurant Best Management Practices for handling F.O.G.:

• Clean and maintain grease traps(interceptors) on a regular basis.
• Train employees on the benefits of proper grease disposal.
• Post “No Grease” signs over sinks and dishwashers.
• Recycle waste cooking oil.
• Cover outdoor grease storage containers
• Routinely clean kitchen exhaust systems.

Protecting Your Sewer and Wastewater System

• Do not drain or flush fats, oil and grease.
• Do not drain or flush hazardous materials (paints, chemicals or solvents).
• Do not drain or flush medicine.
• Do not drain or flush food scraps.
• Do not pump clean groundwater from your sump pump into your wastewater system.
• Do not plant trees near your sewer lateral line.
• Inspect and clean your septic system every 3-5 years.

Other items and materials that SHALL NOT be discharged into the sewers include:

• Baby Wipes & “Flushable Wipes” (They do not breakdown as advertised).
• Metal
• Glass
• Stones
• Diapers
• Rags, Clothing, or cloth of any type
• Plastic Objects (Toys, Utensils, etc.)
• Sanitary Napkins or Tampons
• Gasoline or Oil
• Explosives or Flammable Materials

What do I do if I am experiencing a sewage backup or grinder pump alarm?

Contact the Department of Public Works- Sewer Division during normal working hours Monday thru Friday 8:30-4:30 at 413-569-6772.

If your require assistance on a holiday, weekend or after normal working hours please contact Southwick Police Department on the non-emergency number at 413-569-5348 chose option zero to speak with the dispatcher.  

My home has a Grinder Pump…Where do I find out more information about its operation?

Below there is a link with more detailed information about the grinder pump and its operation. To find out if your address has a grinder pump contact the Department of Public Works at 413-569-6772.