Be careful what you put down the drain

MONMOUTH COUNTY – As the holiday season is in full swing, New Jersey American Water is reminding customers to practice proper habits when disposing of fats, oils and grease (FOGs) and conserve water, especially during the ongoing drought in New Jersey. Small changes in your kitchen and around the home can go a long way toward protecting your home’s plumbing, infrastructure and the state’s limited water resources.

When flushed down the sink, FOGs turn into thick sludge as they cool and stick to the lower parts of the drain inside the pipe. Neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposal systems are able to properly break down these substances, which accumulate over time. Ultimately, this sludge can cause blockages, backups and sewer overflows, posing potential health and environmental risks.

Additionally, the State of New Jersey is under an active Drought Warning and New Jersey American Water’s Mandatory Conservation Notice remains in effect for all customers. It is equally important for customers to find ways to reduce their water consumption as well as properly dispose of FOGs during this season of increased cooking, cleaning and entertaining.

“As we enter the holiday season, it is important to remember that our water and wastewater habits can have a big impact, for better or worse,” said Ben Morris, vice president of operations for New Jersey American Water. “Whether you’re hosting holiday celebrations or traveling to New Jersey to celebrate, practicing smart water habits and properly disposing of mist will help us all protect our plumbing, our environment and our most valuable resource – water,” Morris said .

New Jersey American Water offers the following fog removal and conservation tips for the holiday season:

Proper FOG Disposal:
1. The answer is not available to you. No matter how powerful your garbage disposal may be, it can’t stop FOGs from sticking to your pipes. Never flush FOGs down the drain.

2. Strain, do not drain. To prevent food particles from entering the pipes, install a basket or strainer in the drain and empty the trapped residue into the trash.

3. Let’s talk trash. Scrape all leftover food and FOG from plates, pots and utensils into the trash before washing.

For more information on wastewater tips and treatment, visit NJ American Water’s website and watch the FOG disposal video on the company’s YouTube channel.

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Water protection on vacation:
1. Close the tap. Do not run water when washing dishes, cleaning vegetables, brushing teeth or shaving.

2. Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full. If you have a water conservation program, use it.

3. Fix leaks immediately. Even a slow drip can waste several liters of water every day. If you need help, download the New Jersey American Water Leak Detection Kit at newjerseyamwater.com under Water Information.

4. Take shorter showers. Try to shower within five minutes or less and don’t let your guests soak up the water.

5. Sweep, don’t spray. Instead of a hose, use a broom or rake to sweep away leaves, acorns, or debris on the sidewalk.

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6. Insulate exposed water pipes with pre-slit foam insulation to maintain heat and avoid wasting water during heating.

7. Share these tips with guests. Encourage family and friends to adopt water-saving habits during their stay.

New Jersey American Water customers can monitor their water usage online and find ways to use water more wisely through their MyWater account. For more tips on saving water indoors and outdoors, visit the New Jersey American Water website at newjerseyamwater.com.

About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the state’s largest regulated water utility, providing high-quality, reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people.