Wastewater treatment equipment is designed for the 3 P’s: Pee, Poo and Toilet Paper.
Muskoka’s wastewater systems are designed to handle only three things: pee, poo, and toilet paper. When other items are flushed—even those labeled as “flushable”—they can cause serious problems in the sewer system.
After you flush, wastewater travels through underground pipes to a nearby pump station, which helps move it to a wastewater treatment plant. Items like wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, and grease can clog pumps, damage equipment, increase maintenance costs, and even lead to sewer backups.
While wipes are among the most common offenders, they’re not the only issue. We need your help to protect our infrastructure and the environment.
Wastewater includes any water leaving your home through toilets, sinks, bathtubs, dishwashers, or washing machines. If you're connected to the municipal system, this water is treated at a wastewater facility. If you're in a rural area, you likely have a septic system—maintaining it is your responsibility. In both cases, flushing the wrong items puts your system and our water at risk.
| Toilets are not garbage cans. |
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Flushing the wrong items down the toilet can lead to serious consequences — sewer backups, flooded basements, and costly repairs to wastewater infrastructure. Help protect our homes, communities, and environment by making the right choices at the source. Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down in water. So-called “flushable” wipes are not—they twist, tangle, and mix with other materials like hair, dental floss, and FOG (fats, oils, and grease) to form massive blockages known as fatbergs. These clog pipes, damage equipment, and increase maintenance costs for everyone. Together, we can prevent avoidable damage and protect our wastewater systems. |
| But it says "flushable"! |
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Even though a product is labeled “flushable” it doesn't mean it’s safe for the sewer system. While these items may clear your toilet bowl, they often don’t break down in the same way as toilet paper—and can cause serious blockages in municipal pipes and treatment facilities. Currently, there are no regulations in Canada that define or govern the use of the term “flushable.” This means manufacturers can market products as flushable even if they contribute to clogs, equipment damage, and increased maintenance costs. Cities around the world are working to develop standards to more accurately reflect whether products are truly safe to flush. Until then, the message remains clear: If it’s not pee, poo, or toilet paper—don’t flush it. |
| No wipes in our pipes. |
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We know so-called "flushable" wipes should never go down our toilets. But unfortunately, a whole lot more ends up down our sinks, toilets, and drains. Only 3 things can go into the toilet pee, poo and toilet paper. Please do not flush disinfectant wipes or paper towels down the toilet. Even wipes labeled "flushable" can clog pipes. Wipes and paper towels can cause sewage back-ups, overflows and spills which are a public health risk, cause expensive property damage and threatens our environment. Clogged pipes can cause:
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| What is a Fatberg? |
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Fatbergs are large masses that can form in your home and in Muskoka’s wastewater pipes and pumps. They are made of fats, oils and grease (also known as FOG) that have been improperly disposed of down the drain and have cooled and hardened in the pipes and pumps. When fats, oils and grease combine with things like wipes and feminine products that have been improperly flushed, the fatberg grows into a giant mass. Fatbergs stick to the sides of pipes and slowly grow, as more waste sticks and hardens to the fatberg. Small amounts of FOG from several households can cause problems, and if left undetected, a fatberg can completely block wastewater flow. This can cause sewer backups into homes or businesses and lead to service disruptions, expensive repairs for property owners and damage to essential District infrastructure our community relies on every day. |
What's that smell?
Muskoka’s municipal wastewater facilities play a vital role in protecting public health, keeping our water clean, and preserving our environment.
At certain times of the year—especially during warm weather—you may notice odours near a wastewater treatment facility. While this can be unpleasant, there is no cause for concern. The District remains in full compliance with Environmental Compliance Approvals issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and all wastewater is properly treated and disinfected.
Why Odours Happen
The wastewater treatment process relies on naturally occurring microorganisms to break down sewage. During periods of increased wastewater flow—often due to high seasonal usage and rising temperatures—these microorganisms work harder and may become stressed. This can temporarily reduce treatment efficiency and result in odours around the facility.
One of the most noticeable odours doesn’t come from the wastewater itself, but from the digested solids (biosolids) that are removed as part of the treatment process. These solids are often transported offsite for land application as fertilizer. When they are loaded into tanker trucks, odours can escape—similar to the smell that occurs when a septic tank is pumped.
What We’re Doing
These odours are a normal part of wastewater operations and are actively managed by our staff. The District continuously monitors facility performance and air quality, and implements best practices to minimize impacts on the surrounding community.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue our work to protect Muskoka’s environment.
Help beat the stink by keeping our wastewater system healthy: only flush the 3 P's: Pee, Poo and Toilet Paper.