Grand Haven Township

Waste Water

About the Service

The wastewater collection system includes over 20 miles of sewers, several pumping stations including a 1.6 mgd main lift station, which brings the waste to the processing facility.

The wastewater collection system collected about 125 million gallons sewage.

Currently, over 900 homes and businesses are connected to sewers. Most new developments must include sewers.

What to Know About a Municipal Wastewater System

Certain items should never be flushed down the drain, as they can cause blockages in your home’s plumbing, the public wastewater main lines, or even the lift stations. To help prevent backups and other issues in the wastewater system, here are some essential facts and tips to keep in mind.

What Not to Flush

Did you know “flushable” wipes aren’t really all that flushable? While convenience wipes such as baby, hygienic, cleaning and disinfectant wipes may be labeled as “disposable” or “flushable,” they are not because they don’t break down in the sewer system. This causes plugs in sewer pipes and pumps, resulting in sewage backups or other problems.

 
What You Can Do

Do Flush: Toilet Paper

Don’t Flush: Flushable wipes (or anything else) including food, diapers, paper towel, feminine hygiene products, facial tissues, paper, goldfish (or any pet fish), medicine or drugs.

 
Protecting Your Pipes

Grease, fats, oils, and leftover food can be damaging to pipes and sewage systems. Grease hardens into a solid that can create blockages in your plumbing. Below are a few tips to keep sinks and drains functioning properly.

 
What You Can Do
Do: Use the garbage disposal minimally with running water, allow grease to harden in a sturdy container before throwing away, and wipe down pots, pans, and plates with paper towels before washing.

Don’t: Wash oil or grease down the drain or use reusable rags or washcloths to soak up grease. Washing the rag will allow grease into the pipes.  
Contact Information

Any time you have questions or concerns, please contact the Public Services Department at 616.842.5988.  Or, our email addresses are listed on our Department’s main page.  We are here to help!

 

Contact Information

Public Services Director, Matt Wade
Phone: (616) 604-6313
Email: mwade@ghtmi.gov

Public Services Assistant Director,
Pat Richardson
Phone: (616) 604-6318
Email: prichardson@ghtmi.gov

Public Services Coordinator, Kristi Walsh
Phone: (616) 604-6325
Email: kwalsh@ghtmi.gov