Raleigh Water crews are working to clean a contaminated pond at Joyner Park in Wake Forest after discovering a blockage in the sewer line caused by kitchen grease. The pond and nearby trail were closed to the public on Friday, Aug. 23, and remedial work is expected to continue for several days.
An initial assessment revealed the line was blocked by grease poured down household sinks, causing sewage to overflow from a nearby manhole.
"Grease buildup is a major preventable cause of sewer line backups," said Carlos Perez, a utilities analyst with Raleigh Water. "Think of grease as a traffic jam for water, causing all sorts of issues. Crews are currently pumping out the contaminated water and replacing it with clean water.”
Raleigh Water has determined that approximately 615,899 gallons of untreated wastewater was released from the collection system during the overflow.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing and may take several days. The pond remains closed for safety reasons.
Raleigh Water wants to make sure everyone stays safe during the cleanup at Joyner Park. Please avoid the entire pond area. That means staying away from the water, the algae, and even the shoreline. Don't go fishing, swimming, or perform any other water activities in the pond. And please keep your pets away from the water, too.
If you do accidentally touch the water, rinse yourself off with clean water right away. If you start feeling sick or notice any strange symptoms, it's important to see a doctor or vet.
The Dangers of Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Raleigh Water urges residents to never pour grease or flushable wipes down the drain. Both can cause significant problems for your plumbing and the sewer system.
Grease hardens as it cools, accumulating in pipes and eventually causing blockages. These blockages can lead to sewage backups in homes and overflows into waterways, contaminating the environment.
Flushable wipes, despite their label, are not as biodegradable as toilet paper. They can cling to pipes, forming clogs that are even more difficult to remove than grease.
"FOG (fats, oils, and grease) might seem harmless, but it can wreak havoc on your plumbing and the city's sewer system,” said Perez. “To prevent clogs and backups, please dispose of FOG properly in the trash."
Properly Dispose of Grease and Flushable Wipes
- Clogged Pipes: Grease and wipe buildup restrict water flow, leading to slow drains and potential overflows.
- Sewer Backups: Grease and wipes can clog the main sewer line, causing sewage to back up into homes and businesses, creating a messy and unsanitary situation.
- Environmental Damage: Sewage overflows can pollute waterways, harming aquatic life and recreational activities.
- Toss in the Trash: Never flush wipes. Instead, throw them in the trash. This also applies to flushable wipes.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent sewer backups and protect the environment.
As always, if you live in Garner, Wendell, Wake Forest, Zebulon, Knightdale, or Raleigh, and smell sewage, even if you are unsure something is wrong, please give Raleigh Utilities a call at 919-996-3245.
Together, we can keep our waterways clean and our sewer lines flowing smoothly!