The Town of Cochrane is responsible for managing wastewater and sewage. While sanitary sewage is pumped to the City of Calgary for treatment, Cochrane maintains and operates the wastewater collection system — including the pipeline to Calgary — and addresses issues like hydrogen sulfide gas and odour concerns.
Cochrane’s wastewater system includes:
- one main pump station (pumps sewage to Calgary)
- nine smaller pump stations (lift stations)
- 163 kilometres of sewer mains
- 1,533 manholes
Our team regularly checks and maintains the system to keep everything running smoothly.
Think before you flush
Just because the items you flush leave the toilet bowl, it doesn’t mean they have made it through the sewer system — they may even still be in the pipe under your home. Flushing the wrong things can harm the environment and cause major issues in your home, building and community.
Do not flush:
- “Flushable” wipes and paper towels — They don’t break down and can clog pipes.
- Food, kitty litter, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls/swabs — These items do not break down. They can clump together and block pipes.
- Adhesive bandages, floss, condoms — They aren’t biodegradable and stick together or to other items inside pipes, creating blockages.
- Cigarettes, cleaning supplies, pharmaceuticals — They may not clog pipes, but they can contaminate the water system. The chemicals can poison aquatic environments, infiltrate drinking water, kill good bacteria or increase bacterial resistance to pharmaceuticals.
Flush only the 4 P’s:
- pee
- poop
- puke
- paper (toilet paper)
Even if something says it’s flushable, that doesn’t mean it is good for your toilet, your plumbing or our environment.