Wastewater is water that has been used by homes, businesses, schools, and industries. It includes water from sinks, showers, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and other everyday uses. This water travels through the sanitary sewer collection system to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, where it is cleaned and treated before being safely discharged back into the environment.

Wastewater treatment is essential for protecting public health and the environment. Proper treatment removes harmful bacteria, pollutants, and organic material from wastewater before it is discharged into local waterways. Wastewater treatment also helps protect drinking water sources, aquatic life, and recreational waters while ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.

A sanitary sewer system carries wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries to the Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment. Stormwater systems are separate and are designed to carry rainwater runoff from streets, parking lots, and drainage areas directly to nearby streams and waterways. Because stormwater is not treated, it is important to keep pollutants, chemicals, trash, and debris out of storm drains.

Wastewater collected through the City’s sanitary sewer system is transported to the Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment. The treatment process removes trash, solids, organic material, and harmful pollutants through several stages including screening, biological treatment, clarification, filtration, and disinfection. After treatment, the cleaned water is tested to ensure it meets strict environmental standards before being discharged.

Pump stations are used to move wastewater from lower elevations to higher elevations when gravity flow alone is not possible. Because the City’s sewer system covers a large area with varying terrain, pump stations help ensure wastewater continues flowing properly through the collection system to the Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment.

No. Grease, fats, and cooking oils should never be poured down sinks or drains. As grease cools, it hardens inside sewer pipes and can cause severe blockages, sewer backups, pump failures, and damage to the wastewater collection system. Residents are encouraged to allow grease to cool and dispose of it properly in the trash.

Many items labeled as “flushable” can still damage sewer systems and equipment. The following items should never be flushed or poured down drains:

• Grease, fats, and cooking oil
• “Flushable” wipes
• Paper towels
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Dental floss
• Medications
• Paints or chemicals
• Cat litter

Flushing these materials can cause sewer backups, pump failures, and costly damage to the wastewater system.

Sewer backups can be caused by several factors including grease buildup, clogged pipes, tree roots, damaged sewer lines, heavy rainfall, and improper items being flushed into the sewer system. Regular maintenance and responsible disposal practices help reduce the risk of sewer backups and protect the City’s infrastructure.

Wastewater naturally contains organic materials that produce odors as they break down. Certain treatment processes may temporarily create noticeable odors, especially during hot weather, heavy rainfall events, or maintenance activities. While the City works to minimize odors through proper operations and maintenance, occasional odors can occur near wastewater facilities and pump stations.

Is the odor harmful?

In most cases, odors associated with wastewater treatment are unpleasant but not harmful to the general public. The treatment plant continuously monitors and operates its systems in accordance with environmental and safety regulations to protect employees, residents, and the environment.

To report a sewer backup, manhole overflow, or other wastewater emergency, please contact the City of Statesboro Water & Sewer Department immediately. If possible, provide the location of the issue, a description of the problem, and a contact number where you can be reached. Prompt reporting helps crews respond quickly and minimize potential environmental impacts.

The City of Statesboro Wastewater Treatment Plant operates under strict regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Wastewater is carefully treated and routinely tested to ensure it meets all environmental permit requirements before discharge. The City also performs regular maintenance, monitoring, and sampling throughout the wastewater collection and treatment system to help protect local rivers, streams, and public health.