Often the unsung branch of local utility service, the Pollution Control Facility (wastewater treatment facility) has been in operation since 1982. The Facility discharges its effluent into the south branch of the west fork of the Big Blue River. Expansion of the Facility was started in 2000 and completed in 2003, increasing design capacity from four to six million gallons per day. The Facility utilizes aerobic and anaerobic processes to treat the wastewater. Methane gas from the treatment process is burned in the boilers to produce heat that is utilized throughout the Facility.

SAFETY TIP: Water should be added regularly to plumbing fixtures, especially any sinks, toilets or floor drains that may have dried out. If any fixtures have not been used in a while, the water in the water-seal traps may have evaporated. That could allow dangerous sewer gas and odors to enter your home. 
Exposure to sewer gases can produce flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, and drowsiness. Exposure to high concentrations can interfere with the sense of smell, making this warning signal unreliable. At extremely high levels, Sewer gases can cause immediate loss of consciousness and death.
Sewer gases are also flammable and highly explosive. If you need to report sewer gas odors at any time, call Hastings Utilities at 463-1371. If the odor is strong, evacuate the building at once and call from a neighbor's house.

Sewer backups are both destructive and unpleasant. Just like a water service line, the property owner is responsible for the service line from the point where it connects to the Hastings Utilities sewer main.
However, as a customer, you can do many things to prevent your sewer line from backing up. Remember too, that the very same things can help to prevent backups in the main sewer line as well. If everyone would be careful about the ways they disposed of certain products, our systems would be more efficient, cause fewer backups, cost less money, and prevent the inconvenience to you. Prevent backups.

If you find an open manhole cover, or one that is badly damaged  report it immediately so that we can barricade the potentially dangerous area and correct the problem.
Call Hastings Utilities at 463-1371.