he cities of Boynton Beach and Delray Beach jointly own and operate the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Facility. The facility treats an average of about 17 million gallons per day of used water and sewage from the two cities.

Following guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Palm Beach County Health Department, the facility treats and disinfects the water to safely return it to the environment. Most of the treated water (or “effluent”) is used as reclaimed water to irrigate golf courses and designated areas in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. Remaining effluent is discharged into a deep injection well. Solids (or “sludge”) are processed into fertilizer pellets by the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority.

Boynton Beach Utilities operates and maintains a sewage collection and transmission system with approximately 165 wastewater lift stations that pump raw wastewater to the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Facility for treatment.

Guidelines to Follow

What Not to Flush

Only three things should be flushed down the toilet: urine, fecal matter, and toilet paper. Anything else can cause major problems for wastewater systems.

Please DO NOT FLUSH these items:

• So-called “flushable” wipes – this is false advertising! These wipes clog pipes and get caught in pumps, leading to overflows and backups.
• Tampons and sanitary napkins
• Paper towels or tissues 
• Unused medications
• Disposable diapers
• Fats, oils, greases 
• Big chunks of waste
• Condoms
• Fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides  
• Car chemicals 
• Anything flammable or radioactive

What Not to Put Down the Drain

Wastewater treatment facilities work hard to remove contaminants, but what we pour down the drain can still end up in our wetlands, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Plus, what goes down the drain can damage household pipes and septic systems over time.

Please DO NOT POUR these items down the drain:

• Fats, oils, greases
• Egg shells
• Coffee grounds 
• Stickers from fruits and vegetables  
• Cleaning products   
• Unused medications 
• Paint
• Car chemicals