{"id":32592,"date":"2022-04-21T10:05:38","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T14:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fondationrivieres.org\/?p=32592"},"modified":"2023-03-13T13:58:16","modified_gmt":"2023-03-13T17:58:16","slug":"3-gestes-a-poser-pour-reduire-les-debordements-deaux-usees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fondationrivieres.org\/en\/3-gestes-a-poser-pour-reduire-les-debordements-deaux-usees\/","title":{"rendered":"3 things to do to reduce wastewater overflows"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every spring, in Quebec, the melting snow causes the combined sewer systems<\/a>. Result? Untreated wastewater ends up directly in rivers! Here are 3 actions you can take at home to help reduce wastewater overflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep wipes out of the toilet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Disposable wet wipes are very popular, especially since the start of the pandemic! Like almost any household product, there are supposedly \u201cgreen\u201d and environmentally friendly versions. Despite what is displayed on the packaging, you should never throw away flushable wipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lingettes<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fondation Rivi\u00e8res team frequently meets municipal officials and the findings are clear: the wipes block the pumps of the pumping stations<\/a> and lead to untreated wastewater overflowing directly into rivers. Wipes, in the trash! Or better yet: use a rag or an old piece of fabric soaked in tap water. And presto, in the washer for infinite reuse!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And let's not forget, the two other big culprits of pump breakage: fat and hair. For hair, use a strainer in your sink and shower. For cooking fat and oils, collect it in an old container and let it cool before disposing of it in the compost (confirm the types of fat that are accepted by your municipality), the trash or in an ecocenter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduce pressure on gutters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main cause of overflows is the overloading of the sewer network by rain or melt water. It is therefore important to limit the volumes captured by the manholes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In nature, the soil plays the role of a sponge which helps absorb this surplus, but the abundance of concrete surface in our cities disrupts this natural process. Here are some ways to regain the spongy capabilities of your land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n