Altered by human activities, wastewater contains various pollutants of physical, biological and chemical origin. They mainly come from our bathrooms and kitchens and contain organic matter, nutrients, microorganisms, chemicals and microplastics.
Their inadequate management can cause serious problems for infrastructure and the environment.
PROBLEMS OF WASTE IN SEWERS
Many people wrongly think that sewers can be used to dispose of our household waste. This error has serious consequences:
• Wear and tear of infrastructure
Non-biodegradable waste, such as wet wipes, damages the infrastructure of treatment and pumping stations by creating blockages.
• Risks of backflows and flooding
During heavy rains, blocked sewers can cause backups and flooding, damaging roads, buildings and underground infrastructure.
• Costs for municipalities
Blockages increase the costs of maintaining and repairing sewer systems, which can lead to increased municipal taxes.
• Impacts on the environment and human health
The chemicals and microplastics found in our wastewater are difficult to purify and pollute our rivers, lakes and rivers, threatening fauna, flora and even human health.
SIMPLE ACTION TO PREVENT DAMAGE
Avoid using toilets as trash cans
Makeup remover pads, cotton swabs, dental floss, wipes and other solid waste should be thrown in the trash. Otherwise, they can form clumps and damage infrastructure by blocking sewer pipes or pumps.
Managing table waste and oils
Food scraps must be put in the brown bin or composted and cooking oils such as those from bacon or frying must be potted and taken to an ecocenter, because these materials can clog the pipes and harm the operation of the treatment systems. Wastewater.
Return expired medications to the pharmacy
Medications flushed down drains are difficult to dispose of and can contaminate aquatic ecosystems as well as our drinking water sources. They must be returned to the pharmacy for safe management, in order to avoid water contamination.
TOWARDS A CLEANER FUTURE
By adopting these simple actions, we can protect our infrastructure and our environment. To learn more, visit educational sites such as pensebleu.com, robvq.qc.ca, obakir.qc.ca or obv.nordestbsl.org. Together, let’s preserve our region for future generations by acting now for a sustainable future!
Chronicle “Times are changing… not just the climate! » produced by Co-éco, in partnership with the MRCs of Kamouraska, Rivière-du-Loup and Les Basques.
