Ready or not, the holiday season is at our doorstep. You might get an additional holiday guest this year if you pour leftover gravy, pan drippings and sauces down the drain. According to Roto-Rooter, incoming calls for service on the day after Thanksgiving will jump almost 50 percent.

To help combat the fat, Clean Water Services is offering a free "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain Kit" to residents. Call (503) 681-3678 or email to get your kit including a pan scraper, lid and easy-to-follow instructions to:

1. Scrape grease and food scraps into a can.
2. Freeze it.
3. Toss it into the trash.

When fats, oils and grease are poured down the drain, they stick to the inside of pipes causing sewer overflows and expensive cleanup and repair in your home. As a double whammy, the untreated wastewater may flow into streets, neighborhood storm drains and ultimately the nearest river or stream, causing problems for surrounding communities and the environment.

Sand for your castle

Heavy, sustained rain strains the community's sanitary sewers and storm drainage systems. With our best efforts including leaf disposal opportunities and street sweeping, rising water may still occur. Sand and sandbags are available throughout Washington County. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation and supply.

Much ado about the loo

The toilet—something we take for granted several times a day. It's a startling statistic that 2.5 billion people (nearly half the world's population) don't have access to toilets and proper sanitation. Our sanitary sewer system protects public health and the environment by treating wastewater to among the world's highest standards. Through wastewater treatment we also reduce the spread of bacteria, viruses and disease.

Raise awareness and celebrate the importance of sanitation for World Toilet Day, November 19. Attend an event, learn about our treatment facilities or contact us for a tour.