The City's Sewer Department comprises several miles of sewer lines ranging in diameter from four to eight inches.
Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) owns and operates the Coneross Creek WWTP located at 623 Return Church Road in Seneca, SC. The WWTP has a permitted flow of 7.8 million gallons per day (MGD). The facility currently treats an average of 2.61 MGD of flow conveyed from approximately 18,697 residents and 19 permitted industrial users. The facility discharges to the Coneross Creek. The WWTP was constructed in 1980 and updated in 1996.
The Sewer Plant began operating in 1980, with an initial design treatment capacity of 5.0 MGD. The Sewer Plant was last upgraded with the proceeds of State Revolving Loan funds in 1996 to its current design treatment capacity of 7.8 MGD. To support the Sewer Plant, the Sewer Authority also operates 15 pump stations and maintains 70 miles of trunk lines.
Because the Sewer Plant also serves the Cities of Walhalla and Seneca, as well as other unincorporated areas of the County, there are no other competing sewer service providers in the areas served by the City.
To Flush or Not to Flush? That is the Question!
You’d be surprised at the things found in sewer systems; anything from socks, underwear, diapers, plastic bags, cell phones, etc. And of course there is that pesky stuff called grease and animal fats. These things may go down a drain, but somewhere down the line it’s going to cause a problem.
Sewer systems are comprised of many different components; sewer mains, service lines, manholes, lift stations, forced mains, etc. Everything that goes down a drain line in a home or business must be controlled within all the different components of a sewer system. If it can’t be handled, then you guessed it, clogs happen, sewer backs up; overflowing in to homes, businesses or the outside environment.
Any of these situations can result in temporary loss of sewer service. The more operational issues, the more operations cost, the more we all pay for utility services. It’s that simple. In order to keep utility rates low, operational costs must remain low. When operation costs increase, it’s the customer who ultimately bears the cost.
In addition, if you see anyone illegally dumping into any sewer manhole, please call the Westminster Utility Department at (864) 647-3200.
Wet Wipes and Paper Towels?
Wet wipes and paper towels may be good for a number of applications, but they’re not for a sewer system. These items, when introduced into the system, tend to combine with other materials within the system, namely grease and animal fats (very bad for sewer systems!) When these items eventually make it to a sewer lift station, they form a mat which keeps pumps from working properly. These products may be sold as “sewer/septic friendly”. Please do not believe that.
This type of issue also affects septic systems. A mat is formed on the surface of the septic tank and does not allow proper settling, thus limiting the capacity and effectiveness of the septic system.
Please be considerate of your sewer system.
Property Damage and Repair Costs
Sewer backups into homes and businesses can cause extensive property damage. Grease and animal fats are the No. 1 contributor to clogs and breakdowns. By pouring bacon grease, turkey grease, etc down the drain, everything from the sink to the system can become clogged. When a backup occurs, it can cause expensive repairs to the property, temporary relocation, insurance cost increases, etc.
Public Health and Safety
Here at Westminster Uitilities, our goal is to provide utility services safely and efficiently. When those services are interrupted, then our crews perform system repairs in the same manner, safely and efficiently.
When sewer service is interrupted, it has the potential to expose the public and utility employees to health and safety issues. Spills and overflows into homes, businesses, yards, lakes and streams, are something we all want to avoid.
So, the next time you put something down the drain, think “can this be placed into a trash bag?” and help avoid unnecessary system interruptions.
Please take the time to avoid pouring grease and/or fats down the drain as well as other materials like rags and wipes that don’t belong in the sewer. You can save yourself (and your utility) time and money!
This is a full copy of the recently adopted Sewer Use Ordinance for the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority of which Westminster is a member.
Sewer Use Ordinance