Non-flushable items clog Palouse sewer

A recurring problem with items clogging the sewer lift station in Palouse happened again in February as the city Public Works Department cleaned out the lift station. The cause is items that should not be flushed, including wipes of any kind, labeled as “flushable” or otherwise, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, hair and more. These items all need to be put in the trash.

Last fall, a clog of non-flushable items burned a motor at the lift station, which cost $4,800 to replace.

At the Feb. 28 Palouse City Council meeting, representatives discussed how to convey the seriousness of the issue to residents.

Previously, the city has put out online messages, inserted reminders in utility bills and put up signs around town.