(January 27, 2021) – The Oak Lodge Water Services District (District) reminds the public that during the COVID-19 crisis and every day, the only things okay to flush down the toilet are the  3 P’s: pee, poo, and toilet paper. Anything else can wreak havoc on the District’s sewer system. 

Many wipes, even ones that are labeled “flushable” clog sewer lines, increase utility maintenance, and create environment concerns through backups in residences and/or the environment.  
 
Toilet paper is designed to break down and dissolve. All other paper products are made of sturdy, non-woven fibers that do not break down like toilet paper and cause costly impacts to our wastewater systems, environment and sewer backups at residences.   
 
“It’s costly for the District and ratepayers to repair blockages in the system, but this cost is completely avoidable if everyone follows the 3 P’s rule,” said Phil Lawrence, Interim Collections Field Supervisor at the District.   
 
Our wastewater treatment facilities are our last line of defense in protecting the environment from household wastes entering the receiving streams.  
 
“By simply remembering the 3 P’s, we can all make a huge difference and keep the District’s sewer system flowing smoothly,” said Lawrence.   
 
If you experience a clogged pipe in your home, call a plumber. If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the District at (503) 654-7765. 

To the right is an image of the blockage at the Water Reclamation Facility caused by paper shop towels, wipes, and rags that was removed on Tuesday, January 26.   
 
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The Oak Lodge Water Services District is committed to creating a clean water environment and a healthy community. The District provides reliable drinking water, sanitary sewer, and watershed protection services to nearly 29,000 people in Oak Grove, Jennings Lodge, and portions of Milwaukie and Gladstone. The District was officially formed as of January 1, 2017.