BCWSA Urges Customers not to Flush Toilet Paper Substitutes During COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Crisis
The Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority (BCWSA) is urging customers not to flush wipes, or other inappropriate items, down the toilet during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) emergency. During these trying times BCWSA is working diligently to ensure continuous safe drinking water and sanitary treatment protecting your families amid this time of need. BCWSA spokesman Patrick Cleary said that a northern California county is seeing a spike in sewage spills, and officials there say that the increased use of wipes and toilet paper substitutes are to blame for the spills. “Public works officials all across the country are on the lookout for an increase in system backups because of the shortage of toilet paper due to panic-buying,” Cleary said. “Wipes and other items not meant for the sewage system can cause lines to back up. So, the recommendation is trash it, don’t flush it.” Cleary added that keeping the sewage lines open is vital for ensuring proper water treatment and for providing clean water to all BCWSA customers. “Our number one priority is, and always has been, the guarantee of clean water for all customers,” Cleary said. “And to ensure that we honor that guarantee our facilities and SCADA department are staffed and fully operational 24 hours a day. We are monitoring and reporting to ensure clean and safe water.”
BCWSA Asks Customers to Watch Out for Scams
Warrington, PA January 31, 2018 – The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority BCWSA) was notified regarding a potential scam in Upper Southampton Township. Two males claimed to be from BCWSA and advised that there was a gas leak up the road and that a resident’s water may be contaminated. They instructed the resident that they needed to turn the kitchen sink on for 30 seconds to confirm that there is no contamination and advised that failure to allow them to do so would result in a fine. The resident asked to see their badges. They flashed a wallet quickly at the resident. The resident explained that no badge was visible, only their driver’s license. The resident told them that she didn’t believe them and that she was going to call the police. The men pleaded for her not to call 911 and returned to a white pickup truck and left. BCWSA employees always have their clearly marked BCWSA uniforms on and their IDs on their person. All vehicles driven by employees are not unmarked. Please call the office at 215-343-2538 if you have any questions about BCWSA employees at your homes. The Authority’s mission is to provide quality service at an environmentally safe manner at an affordable rate, and to educate our customers and future customers on water conservation. More information on the Authority can be found on the Web site www.bcwsa.net.
Friends of the Boro Dam
It is that time of year again and the Borough of Doylestown is in need of support for the “Boro Dam Fishing Project” . There are 3 fishing derbies supporting youth ,seniors and handicap and disabled veterans. These activities are funded solely by donations. Go to the Youth Fishing Program (www.doylestownborough.net/news/yfp) for all the information you need in regards to monetary and equipment donations.
The Source of the Water
An article from The Intelligencer that was released on previously regarding PFOS/PFOA Water Contamination is being retracted by the paper. The article incorrectly stated that the water Northampton Water Authority is purchasing from BCWSA was being mixed with Upper Southampton Water Authority’s well water. BCWSA does not purchase water from Upper Southampton Water Authority or Northampton Water Authority. Both authorities purchase water from BCWSA. Once the authorities purchase the water, they are able to mix the water with other sources as long as it is approved by the PA DEP, but at no time does BCWSA purchase any of this water from either authority.
The Truth About Chromium in Your Drinking Water
You may have read the document recently posted on The Doylestown Patch regarding Chromium-6 in your drinking water. We want to assure you that the water provided by BCWSA is completely safe to drink. Chromium-6 is detected in water supplies at extremely low levels all across the nation. The Environmental Working Group is throwing a lot of numbers out there that may be misleading and confusing. The Federal EPA and the PA DEP do not regulate Chromium-6, and there are actually no regulatory standards on Chromium-6 in any of the states except for California which has set a Maximum Contaminant Level of 10ppb. We did perform monitoring for Chromium-6 in 2013-2014 and our numbers ranged from 0.1 – 0.77ppb which is well below the standard that California has set of 10ppb. In addition, in 2014 BCWSA switched to a new supply of drinking water from the Forest Park Water Treatment Plant which has consistently shown Chromium-6 levels below any detection.
What NOT to Put Down Your Drain!
Approximately 80% of grease related sewer blockages and overflows occur in residential areas. FOG coats pipelines similar to the way fatty foods clog human arteries. The grease clings to the inside of the pipe, eventually building up and causing a complete blockage. Grease Blockage Prevention Preventing grease-related sewer blockages and overflows benefits your home, your pocketbook and the environment. Fat’s, Oil’s & Grease (FOG) should NEVER be poured down the sink. Sink drains and garbage disposals are not designed to properly handle these materials. Use sink strainers to catch food item, then empty the strainer into the trash. Before washing, scrape and dry wipe pots, pans, and dishes with paper towels and dispose of materials in the trash. Pour FOG after it has cooled into a container, such as an empty glass jar or coffee can. Once the container is full, secure the lid and place it into the trash. Don’t empty waste from a deep fryer down the drain. Allow the used oil to cool to room temperature and pour it into an empty bottle and put into the trash. FATS Fats typically come from meat and dairy sources but can also come from plant sources, such as nut butters. It is usually in a solid form at room temperature and can be thrown directly into the trash. Placing these foods in the garbage disposal only reduces the size of the food, not the likelihood of creating a clog. If you’re not sure if something has fat in it, check the nutrition label. Examples: Meat Trimmings Uncooked Poultry Skin Cheeses Ice Cream Peanut Butter Butter Shortening/ Lard OILS Oil comes from plant sources such as vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, corn oil, etc. It may be used as a topping on food, such as salads or sandwiches or used to cook food, such a deep frying. It remains liquid at room temperature. Used oil should be poured into a can or jar before disposal. If it is poured down the drain, oil can coat pipes and get into any nooks and crannies, creating a slick surface that makes it easier for fats and grease to stick to. Examples: Salad Dressing Cooking Oils: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil, Olive Oil, Corn Oil Condiments Sauces GREASE Grease occurs when fats from food melt under heat such as frying, boiling and baking, etc. Grease is deceptive because it is a liquid after cooking, but eventually cools into a solid. Pouring it down the drain means that at some point it will cool on the pipes in the collection system, harden, and then start a clog. Examples: Cooked/ Melted Fat from Meat, Bacon, Sausage, Duck, etc. Skin from Boiled Poultry Gravy Mayonnaise