Lift Stations

Because Havelock isn’t perfectly flat, wastewater sometimes needs help moving uphill. Lift stations use pumps to push sewage toward higher elevations or larger mains. They’re expensive to maintain and must meet NCDEQ standards for operation and overflow prevention.

Larger Sewer Lines

These are the trunk lines that carry wastewater from lift stations to the treatment plant. They’re built to handle high volumes and are critical for preventing backups during storms or heavy flow.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

This is where the NCDEQ‑regulated process happens. Wastewater is filtered, aerated, and treated to remove contaminants before being released back into the environment. The diagram shows this section with tanks and a building labeled “NCDEQ Regulated.”

Treated Water Released to River & Sound

After treatment, clean water flows safely into local waterways — in Havelock’s case, toward the Neuse River and coastal sounds. This final step closes the loop, returning water to nature under strict environmental standards.

Bottom Section — Common Problems

The diagram’s lower boxes summarize what can go wrong:
City Sewer Main: clogs and crack
Lift Stations: pump failures
Sewer Overflows: costly backups
Treatment Plant: cleans and treats wastewater before release

Prevents Polluted Runoff Into Storm Drains

Storm drains in Havelock flow directly to creeks, rivers, and the coastal sound — not to the wastewater treatment plant. When bins are dirty, rainwater can wash contaminants into these waterways, including:

• Food waste
• Oils and grease
• Bacteria and organic sludge
• Cleaning chemicals
• Maggots, mold, and decomposing material

Professional bin cleaning removes these pollutants before they can enter the stormwater system.

Reduces FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease) at the roadside

Grease and oils leaking from trash bags can melt in summer heat or wash out during rain. Clean bins help prevent:

• Grease runoff into storm drains
• Odors and pests
• Residents dumping liquids or grease into bins

Cleaner bins = less FOG entering any part of the city’s infrastructure.

Eliminates Bacteria, Odors, and Organic Waste

Dirty bins are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and pests. When rainwater flows through them, that contamination can spread into:

• Storm drains
• Ditches
• Local waterways

High‑temperature bin cleaning sanitizes bins and stops this pollution at the source.

Reduces Strain on City Infrastructure

Even though stormwater and sewer systems are separate, both are part of Havelock’s overall environmental health. Clean bins help by:

• Reducing pollutants entering waterways
• Lowering environmental cleanup costs
• Supporting cleaner neighborhoods
• Encouraging proper waste habits citywide

Wastewater Is Managed Responsibly and Disposed of at Permitted Facilities

Professional bin cleaning is designed to minimize runoff and ensure wastewater is handled properly. While it isn’t physically possible to capture every single drop of water used in the process, the system is engineered to capture the majority of wastewater generated during cleaning.

Here’s what actually happens:

• Most wastewater is collected inside the cleaning unit through built‑in recovery systems
• Solids and debris are filtered out
• The captured wastewater is transported to a permitted waste‑handling facility for proper disposal
• Any minimal residual water that cannot be captured is greatly reduced because bins are cleaned efficiently, with controlled spray patterns and high‑pressure nozzles

Cleaner Bins = Cleaner Community

Professional bin cleaning supports:

• Healthier neighborhoods
• Cleaner streets
• Reduced pests and odors
• Cleaner waterways
• Better public awareness about waste habits
• Fully compliant wastewater disposal practices

It’s a simple service that makes a measurable difference in both environmental protection and community cleanliness.

Only Flush the 3 Ps

Pee • Poop • (Toilet) Paper Everything else — even “flushable” wipes — belongs in the trash. Wipes and hygiene products are one of the leading causes of sewer blockages.

Keep Fats, Oils & Grease Out of Drains

FOG cools, hardens, and sticks to pipes. Instead of pouring it down the drain:

• Let grease cool
• Pour it into a container
• Throw it in the trash

Use Sink Strainers

A simple strainer catches food scraps, hair, and debris before they enter your plumbing. This reduces clogs in both household pipes and city sewer lines.

Dispose of Chemicals Properly

Never pour chemicals, paint, solvents, or cleaners down sinks or toilets. These substances:

• Damage sewer pipes
• Kill beneficial bacteria in septic systems
• Disrupt wastewater treatment processes

Follow the Household Waste Chart for proper disposal.

Fix Leaks Quickly

Leaking toilets and faucets send unnecessary water into the sewer system. A single leaking toilet can waste 200–300 gallons per day, adding strain to already stressed infrastructure.

Maintain Your Sewer Lateral

The pipe from your home to the street is your responsibility. Residents can help by:

• Keeping cleanout caps secure
• Avoiding planting trees near sewer lines
• Having older lines inspected for cracks or root intrusion

A damaged lateral can allow stormwater to flood the sewer system.