Perris, CA (November 9, 2022) — Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) encourages customers to help protect their wastewater collection system this holiday season by ensuring they do not place items down the drain that can cause costly blockages and damages.

With families gathering for large meals – including those such as turkey and roast beef that produce large amounts of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) – EMWD is asking its customers to be Sewer Smart and properly dispose of FOG.

When FOG is poured down the drain, it cools and hardens, and can lead to blockages in either the main sewer system or in customers’ lines that extend from their homes. These blockages can result in sanitary sewer overflows, that can carry costly fines from regional regulatory agencies.

Customers should let the FOG cool and then place it into their organic waste bin, where it may be properly disposed of.

“If we all do our part and responsibly dispose of fats, oils and grease, we can help protect our wastewater collection system and keep the sewers flowing,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “EMWD appreciates the partnership of all its customers, not just during the holiday season, but every day throughout the year.”

For more information, please visit www.emwd.org/SewerSmart.

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Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to nearly one million people living and working within a 558-square mile service area in western Riverside County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency, and its mission is “To deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services.” More information can be found at www.emwd.org.