These wipes are marketed as flushable, but they do not generally degrade, resulting in blockages for homeowners and the Authority, along with expensive repairs and maintenance to our system. These wipes should be tossed in the trash and not flushed down the toilet.

Garbage disposals are common in residential properties. However, they can result in problems at the wastewater treatment plant, which is why they have been banned in some communities. The most environmentally friendly means to treat suitable food waste is through composting.

It is illegal to discharge a sump pump into a sanitary sewer system. Sump pumps jeopardize our sewer system by increasing flows. During some rainfalls, the flow through our system exceeds its capacity and, although each indiviual sump pump seems small, the flow of several hundred pumps can cause an overload to the system. If your sump pump is discharging into our system, either directly or through a laundry tub, contact a plumber and have the discharge flow corrected.

Most lateral problems are caused by tree roots entering the lateral through joints; or fats, oils, and grease (FOG) being poured down the drain, which solidifies in the lateral when cooled. Flushable wipes (that do not easily degrade in the sewer) can get caught up in minor root or FOG issues, resulting in major blockages.

Pool water contains chlorine and must be discharged to UMHJSA for treatment or discharged onto the ground surface if it has been dechlorinated. It is illegal to allow untreated pool water to enter a storm water collection drain. If you need to fill your pool, you can use water from your house or contact a bulk water delivery company. If you use water from your house, you will see that usage on your sewer bill. We do not offer pool credits on your sewer bill.

If you have a lower level fixture (e.g. toilet in your basement), it is strongly recommended that you purchase a sewer backup rider on your homeowner's insurance policy.

UMHJSA currently charges $6,000 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU). Credit is provided for demolition of existing structures on the property prior to development.

In the Bathroom:
-Take a five-minute shower instead of a bath. Estimated savings: 15 gallons per shower
-Don't use toilets as a wastebasket, flush only when needed. Estimated savings: 12 gallons per day
-When brushing teeth use a glass of water instead of running the tap. Estimated savings: 3 gallons per brushing
-When taking a bath, don't run the water without closing the drain first. The warm water that comes after running the tap for a while will heat up the first cold burst of water


In the Kitchen:
-When washing dishes by hand, fill up the sink with soap and water instead of running the water continuously. Estimated savings: 25 gallons per washing
-Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for when you want a drink instead of running the tap until the water cools. Estimated savings: 2 gallons per drink
-Thaw foods in the refrigerator rather than under running tap water. Estimated savings: 5 gallons per meal
-Start a compost pile as an alternative to using a kitchen sink garbage disposal


Outside Your Home:
-Water your lawn during the early morning hours when there are low temperatures and low winds
-Position sprinklers to water only the lawn, not the sidewalk or street
-Don't waste water hosing down your driveway or walks. Estimated savings: 25 gallons for each five minutes not using hose