Test failures have been linked to diazinon or its breakdown products, but high levels of malathion have been detected occasionally. The Village Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is an award-winning facility, but it was never designed to remove pesticides. Rain washes freshly applied pesticides from lawns into sewer manholes or open drain cleanouts. Pesticides fall onto pavement during application where they can be washed into the sewer system. Garments or rags with pesticides on them are washed in the washing machine.
People pour leftover pesticides down the bathtub, commode, sink, sewer line cleanout or floor drain.
People use the tub or sink to dip their pet for fleas or ticks and then release the dip water down the drain. The only guaranteed way to keep synthetic pesticides out of the sewer system is for residents to stop using diazinon and decrease the use of other pesticides. Never pour pesticides, organic or synthetic, or pesticide residues down a sink, commode, bathtub, washing machine, floor drain or storm drain. Fort Worth needs your help to keep diazinon and other pesticides out of the sewer system. For years commercial farmers have used a concept called Integrated Pest Management to minimize the pesticides they use.