News Release
Mammoth Community Water District
PO Box 597, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
760-934-2596
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2025
CONTACT: Michael Draper, Regulatory Services Division

Help Keep Our Sewers “FOG” Free
Pouring “FOG”, or fats, oils, and grease, in any drain can create disruptive and expensive clogs.

Mammoth Lakes, California –

The District asks that all residents, visitors, and businesses help to protect our community from sewer backups by preventing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering drains. When substances like food scraps, grease, and oils make their way into kitchen sinks and garbage disposals, they can block sewer pipes, leading to overflows. As FOG cools and solidifies, it sticks to the inside of pipes, restricting the flow of sewage. Over time, this buildup can cause serious blockages, resulting in sewer backups that affect homes and businesses. Sewer overflows are not only messy and costly but also harmful to the environment.
To help prevent clogs and backups in the sewer system, dispose of cooled fats, oils, and grease in a sturdy container—like an empty soup can—and place it in your trash. All food scraps should go into the trash as well, rather than down the drain.

While the District’s FOG Control Program works to limit grease and fat buildup from food service establishments in town, residential properties can also contribute to sewer blockages and backups.
Additionally, toilets can be a source of sewer clogs. Hygiene products should never be flushed. Instead, dispose of them in the trash, and remember that “flushable” wet wipes are a myth—only toilet paper should be flushed.

Your help in following these simple guidelines will go a long way in keeping your sewer system functioning smoothly and protecting our environment.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the District at 760.934.2596.

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