Wastewater Operations

Responsibilities

The Public Works Department is responsible for providing the city’s 18.2 square mile service area with a safe and reliable wastewater collection system that meets or exceeds all federal, state and local regulations with safe methods.

The wastewater collection system is comprised of:

292 miles of sewer lines;
5,188 manholes;
2 mechanical lift stations.

Our mission involves a commitment to maintaining a superior wastewater service that focuses on the interest of the city, the citizens it serves, and the protection of the environment. Comprehensive training, constant monitoring and assessment of the collection system provide for an efficient and accountable operation. In addition, newly developed standards and technologies are routinely explored for cost effectiveness and improved service. Questions or concerns about the city wastewater system should be directed to Public Works Utilities Division at 817-427-6440.

TMAH Discharge Prohibition

The City of North Richland Hills is a customer of and delivers wastewater for treatment to the Trinity River Authority’s (TRA) Central Regional Wastewater System (CRWS). Only portions of the City are served by TRA CRWS. TRA has determined that Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide (TMAH) will cause interference with wastewater treatment operations. In accordance with the U.S Environmental Protection Agency rule published as 40 CFR § 403.5(b)(4), and City’s Ordinance No. 2687, the discharge of TMAH in measurable quantities from non-domestic users for areas of the City served by the TRA CRWS is prohibited until at such time TRA develops a numeric local limit. To learn more about TMAH, please view the following document from TRA: TMAH Guidance on Prohibition

Defend Your Drains to Prevent Wastewater Backups

All water customers are encouraged to review the following information and take the recommended actions to help prevent wastewater backups. Visit www.defendyourdrainsnorthtexas.com for more information.

Fats, Oils & Grease

Fats, oils and grease can cause costly problems for your home’s plumbing system and for the city’s sanitary sewer system. When fats, oils and grease are poured down kitchen sinks, they can build up in drain and sewer pipes and cause restrictions in flow. This can lead to back-ups of sewage resulting in property damage and costly repairs. All residents need to do their part to keep sewer pipes free of fats, oils and grease. Please follow these simple DOs and DON’Ts to cease the grease:

DO recycle used cooking oil or properly dispose of it in the trash. Pour small amounts over newspaper or paper towels and place in garbage. For larger amounts, mix clay cat litter a little at a time into the oil. When all the oil has been absorbed, pour the litter into a trash bag and throw it away.
DO compost food scraps or scrape them into the trash, not the sink.
DO wipe greasy pots, pans, and dishes with dry paper towels before rinsing or washing them.
DON’T pour cooking oil, pan drippings, bacon grease, salad dressings, or sauces down the drains.
DON’T put fatty, oily or greasy food down the garbage disposal.
DON’T use cloth towels or rags to wipe oily or greasy dishes. When you wash the towels, the grease will still end up in the sewer.
DON’T run water over dishes, pans, fryers, and griddles to wash oil and grease down the drain.

Each year around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, NRH Public Works will collect used cooking oils from your holiday feasts for recycling. Containers holding the discarded oils and grease must be made of plastic and have a screw top lid. This program is intended for residents and excludes restaurants or commercial users. Please call 817-427-6457 to arrange a pick up or get more details.

Wipes Clog Pipes

Just because the package says “flushable” doesn’t mean it’s true. Many items marketed as disposable and/or flushable do not degrade like toilet paper, and they wind up clogging pipes, tangling pumps and causing messy sewer backups into streets, homes and businesses. The Public Works Department reminds all residents: wipes clog pipes. Unless it is toilet paper, it should not be flushed. Everyone should help prevent costly and messy sewer backups by placing wipes and disposable cleaning products in the trash, not the toilet.

Items that should never be flushed include: