The Lassen County Waterworks District No. 1 is reminding customers that toilets are not trash cans after crews recently removed an unusual item that clogged part of the district’s sewer system.
According to the district, staff discovered what appeared to be the head of a Swiffer mop lodged in a pump at the sewer ponds lift station on June 29. The blockage disrupted normal operations and required workers to manually remove the object before the system could return to service.
District officials say the incident serves as a reminder that sewer systems are designed to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Items such as mop heads, disposable wipes, rags and other debris can wrap around pump impellers, damage equipment, cause sewer backups and overflows, and lead to costly repairs that are ultimately paid for by ratepayers.
The district is asking customers not to flush:
Cleaning products, including Swiffer mop heads, disinfectant wipes and so-called “flushable” wipes.
Baby wipes, makeup wipes and other moist towelettes.
Paper towels, facial tissues and napkins.
Feminine hygiene products, diapers, cotton balls, cotton swabs and dental floss.
Rags, towels, clothing and other fabric items.
Grease, fats, oils, food scraps and coffee grounds.
Medications, chemicals, paint, kitty litter, cigarette butts, condoms and other household trash.
Instead, officials recommend placing non-flushable items in the garbage and allowing cooking grease to cool before disposing of it in the trash or an approved recycling container.
The district says following these guidelines helps prevent clogs, protects critical wastewater infrastructure, reduces repair costs and keeps sewer service operating reliably throughout the community.
Customers with questions or concerns about their sewer service can contact Lassen County Waterworks District No. 1 at (530) 278-6476.
