East Oxford Utilities

04/03/2026

7:39 PM: We just got back from the treatment plant to investigate the increased smell lately. While there, we discussed the smell with our operator, and he is aware of it, has been, and is addressing it. It will be gone soon.

If you care to know the science of what's happening, here's a short explanation: Every year, when spring hits and temperatures rise, fats, oils, and grease (FOG) become less viscous and, thus, enter the wastewater system sort of in a "rush." When they get to the treatment plant, they coat the microorganisms that normally do all the treatment of the wastewater. It's almost like COVID for a sewer plant. This coating reduces oxygen transfer and disrupts normal aerobic biological processes. This causes oxygen levels in the system to drop, and when oxygen levels drop, the system shifts to anaerobic conditions, which causes increased production of hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes the odor. We are correcting this by increasing aeration, breaking up and removing oils, and rebalancing the microbial system to restore proper aerobic treatment. This is a routine, seasonal condition that is being actively managed, and the odor will subside as normal conditions are restored. Overall, sewer plants are like never-ending science experiments where the operator is constantly adjusting to keep everything in line.

Summary: This is normal, and the smell will be gone soon.

01/30/2026

01/30/26 at 9AM: Please let us know in the comments if your sewer system ever failed you or had any problems at all throughout this storm. We have worked hard to keep it going, including substantial capital expenses before the storm to make the system resilient. 

Obviously, large scale processing like this is not supposed to operate without power or water, much less below freezing. We will now assess the damage and the costs associated with keeping your system as reliable as we hope it has been even through this storm.

01/27/2026

Jan 27, 2026 at 5:12 PM - The EOU sewer facility runs on Oxford Water, and, as you can see below, our area will have water service suspended soon. This could further impact the ability to process wastewater for all EOU customers.

We will keep you informed, but our very small system is not equipped with the resources of municipal or larger systems, so we may have to add new restrictions soon.

These could include restrictions on toilet and sink usage. Just be prepared.

01/25/2026

01/25 2:20P: EOU's sewer facility is functioning for now even without power. Trees had fallen blocking access, but the owners went out and cut the trees themselves to check on the system and enable access for repairs.

As the system is already running at a severe financial deficit, it is unclear what will happen if the system faces any major issues.

Flow limits; peak hour guidance; or flush limitations are practices that are often required to manage systems facing operational issues.

04/18/2024

How many people do you think actually know where everything goes when you flush the toilet?

Although the end user usually doesn't notice a problem with a utility until it's too late (see the City of Jackson), it's crucial that the owners and operators keep utilities from ever getting close to failure.

Unfortunately, this system was nearing that point, and, with sewer, that is an emergency situation. But, over the last year, with large capital investments and many hours of work, we have the system running like a top and completely stable.

We're looking forward to many more years of uninterrupted service.

05/10/2023

https://youtu.be/XgEPTntzSWQ

If you want to know what happens when you flush your toilet or use your sink in Tuscan Hills/Highlands/409, watch this video. Our system is slightly bigger than this, but not much!

Approximately 25 percent of homes in the United States are not connected to centralized sewer systems. These homes and businesses collect and treat their was...

05/05/2023

https://www.surfrider.org/news/personal-actions-to-stop-sewage-pollution-in-your-community

Very simple and clear guidance.

"Only flush the three P’s

Anything outside of the three P’s (“pee, p**p and toilet paper”) can cause clogs and blockages in septic tanks and sewers alike, which prevent the normal flow and treatment of wastewater and result in sewage backing up into streets, yards and even your bathroom. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic wipes (even those marked “flushable”) and personal protective equipment, like masks and gloves, have been causing all sorts of problems with clogged pipes and wastewater treatment malfunctions. Use the trash can instead.

Cleaning agents and products and other chemicals should not be poured down the drain either. They can interfere with wastewater treatment processes, clog pipes and pollute the environment and even our drinking water. Try more natural cleaning products instead and dispose of all chemicals and hazardous materials according to local regulations."

Over 100 million visitors flock to U.S. beaches every year to enjoy the sand, sunshine and water. Despite how much we cherish our beaches, coastal water quality continues to be threatened by discharges of stormwater and sewage. Years, decades even, of neglect, have left America’s wastewat...

04/21/2023

04/12/2023

https://www.durhamnc.gov/1078/Grease-Why-Its-a-Problem

Read this short article to understand why East Oxford Utilities system needs to be protected from grease, woven products, and even most "nonwoven" products that are labeled as flushable.

Good excerpt, "A clog can have a bigger impact than you may think, causing Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) in your community or even your own home. Your water and sewer funds are used to deal with this problem! Dispose of items properly in the trash and eliminate the problem!"

🧐🧐🧐

Grease is singled out for special attention because of its poor solubility in water and its tendency to separate from the liquid solution.

04/05/2023

October 22-25 2023!

04/03/2023

04/03/2023

The best way to protect your community’s water system is to prevent fats, oils and grease from going down the drain.