Wastewater Treatment

TO REPORT A SEWER BACKUP: Call (901) 867-4980 from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm weekdays or (901) 229-1965 after-hours, holidays and weekends.

The Town of Arlington Wastewater Department is responsible for the collection and treatment of wastewater, the installation and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system that lies beneath town streets, and administering the industrial and commercial pre-treatment programs.  Revenue for the department is from a monthly service fee which is included in the utility bill.  This fee is based on water consumption.

Wastewater treatment service is essential to community well-being for two very important reasons:

• Wastewater treatment service protects public health from disease-carrying bacteria and viruses.
• Wastewater treatment service protects water quality for both drinking water and recreational purposes.

The sewer lateral is a private line that carries all wastewater from the home to the town sewer main. Since it is a private line, the repair and maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner. The sewer lateral has an access point called the 'cleanout' located on the homeowner's premises; if a sewer backup occurs in the home, the cap on the cleanout may be removed to relieve the pressure and protect the home from sewage backflow. However, if the homeowner suspects a sewer blockage, it should be reported to the Arlington Public Works office at (901) 867-4980 for in inspection to the sewer main.The homeowner is responsible for the line between the house and its connection at the street to the major sewer line. When a sewer stoppage occurs, the source of the problem is not always immediately apparent.

HELP PREVENT SEWER BLOCKAGES
There are simple steps that residents can take to help prevent grease buildup that adversely affects homes and businesses. The easiest way to prevent grease buildup and help prevent sewer blockages is to keep grease out of the sewer system.

Garbage disposals can be useful when properly used. However, grinding meat and dairy products or other cooked foods allows grease to be introduced into the sewer system. When grease accumulates in the sewer lines it eventually forms a blockage and may cause a sewer backup. Most grease is a product of cooking and is usually found in food scraps, oils, butter or margarine, sauces, meat products and dairy products.

To help prevent grease buildup and reduce the threat of a sewer blockage follow these few steps. Never pour grease down a sink drain, toilet or garbage disposal. Dispose of grease and grease products by soaking up grease and oils with paper towels and disposing of them in the trash. Before you was dishes or put dishes in the dish washer, scrape meat and food in the trash.

Following these few steps could save you a costly plumbing bill and help protect your home and the environment.

For more information, contact the Wastewater Director, Gil Rivera at grivera@townofarlington.org