Wastewater treatment is a critical process to protect public health and the environment.
Middlesex Centre owns and operates two wastewater treatment plants, one in Ilderton and one in Komoka. These plants receive and treat wastewater 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Wastewater is a mixture of liquid and solid materials flushed down toilets, sinks and drains. It flows through the municipality's sanitary sewer system to the wastewater treatment plants. There, the wastewater is treated following strict regulations to meet or exceed the standards set by the provincial and federal governments.
- Sewer Main Cleaning
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Middlesex Centre periodically cleans or “flushes” the sanitary sewer system to remove grit, sand, gravel, and grease from the sewer mains. This is a preventative maintenance operation that helps prevent sewer main back-ups, odours, and premature wear on mechanical components of the system.
- What is the sanitary sewer system?
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The sanitary sewer system transports wastewater from your home and business to a wastewater treatment facility. The system includes underground pipes, sewage pumping stations, and the treatment facility.
- How do you clean the sewers?
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Middlesex Centre contracts a company for sewer cleaning. They use a high-pressure nozzle to flush water down the sewer. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a maintenance hole on the street by a large vacuum truck.
- Do I need to do anything before you clean the sewers on my street?
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Yes. Occasionally during cleaning, air pressure in the sewer line can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. The water which may splash out is not from the sewer but from the toilet bowl or the plumbing P-trap under your sink.
We recommend the following precautions during sewer cleaning:
- Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use.
- Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
- Remove all floor mats in bathrooms.
- Place old towels around the base of your toilets.
- If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operates properly.
- Wrap the cover of your basement floor drains with thick plastic (e.g., a freezer bag). Place something heavy over the floor drains to keep the plastic-covered floor drain covers in place. Remember to remove the plastic immediately after the sewer main cleaning is complete.
- Can I use the toilets and my water while you are cleaning the sewers?
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Yes, however be careful as air pressure in the sewer during the cleaning can sometimes cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks, and drains. Remember to close the lids on all toilet bowls and insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
- Will I notice anything after you have cleaned the sewers on my street?
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Sometimes the sewer cleaning may leave an odour. If so, run some water down the sink and bathtub drains, flush the toilets, pour a pail of water into each basement floor drain, and open the windows. After a short time, the odour should disappear. (The odour is caused by the P-traps in your plumbing having no water in them after the cleaning.)
- Don't Flush It!
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What your flush down the drain or toilet can damage your household plumbing, causing sewage back-ups and septic issues in your home. It also costs the municipality a considerable amount of time and money to clean clogged sewer lines throughout Middlesex Centre.
Don't flush personal use wipes, paper towels, or any hygiene products down your toilet. These need to be placed in the garbage.
Anything other than No. 1, No. 2 and toilet paper can lead to sewer backups and flooded basements, may damage wastewater facilities, and pollute rivers and lakes.
Learn more about keeping your home's plumbing in good condition on our plumbing & pipes webpage: