Holiday Cooking and Grease Disposal: What Not to Put Down the Drain

HCMUD 0712025-11-05T12:08:54-06:00November 5, 2025|

The holiday season often is a time for cooking, baking, and sharing meals with family and friends. But while the kitchen may be busy, the last thing anyone wants is an unexpected plumbing problem that interrupts the celebration. One major holiday culprit is grease, oils, and fats poured down the drain. These liquids may seem harmless when warm, but once cooled they harden and clog pipes, creating costly repairs for both homeowners and the District’s sewer system.

Grease does not dissolve in water. Instead, it sticks to the inside of pipes and builds up over time. Even when combined with hot water or soap, grease eventually cools and solidifies. This can cause sewage backups in your home and expensive blockages in the District’s wastewater system.

When cooking, the following items should never go down the drain:

• Grease and drippings from cooked meats
• Gravy, sauces, and cooking oils
• Butter, margarine, and shortening
• Salad dressings or mayonnaise
• Leftover food scraps

Instead of rinsing pans in the sink, pour cooled grease into a disposable container such as an empty can or jar. Once full, seal the container and place it in the trash. Wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing to prevent residue from going down the drain. Food scraps should also go in the trash, not the disposal, to avoid clogging pipes.

Every year, sewer crews across the region spend thousands of hours addressing clogs caused by grease. These problems increase operating costs for the District and can also cause clogs or other expensive plumbing issues in homes. Simple steps in your kitchen can help protect your plumbing, your neighbors, and the community’s sewer system.

Enjoy your holiday meals and gatherings, and remember: always put grease in the trash, not down the drain.

Park Use Guidelines

HCMUD 0712025-10-29T13:04:34-05:00October 29, 2025|

HCMUD 71 maintains several parks, trails, and recreational areas for the benefit of all residents. These amenities are designed to provide safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces for walking, playing, and gathering with family and friends. To protect these shared areas, the District has adopted rules that help ensure safety, preserve the environment, and keep facilities in good condition for everyone.

District parks are open from dawn to dusk. All visitors are expected to respect closing times and leave the parks before dark. Pets are welcome, but they must remain on a leash no longer than six feet, and owners are required to clean up after them.

Vehicles may only be parked in designated areas. Driving or parking on grass, sidewalks, or other non-parking areas is prohibited. Vehicles parked outside of designated areas or blocking access may be fined and towed at the violator’s expense.

To keep the parks clean and safe, visitors should dispose of all trash in the receptacles provided. Bringing outside trash into the parks is not allowed. Cutting or damaging trees, shrubs, or landscaping, and removing soil, rocks, or other materials from the parks, is strictly prohibited.

For safety, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, air guns, slingshots, gambling, and abusive or threatening behavior are not permitted. Organized sports, camping, and overnight use of District parks are also prohibited.

The use of bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or other wheeled vehicles on trails or sidewalks is not permitted unless specifically designated. Park amenities, such as playgrounds and pavilions, are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Violations of park rules may result in fines of up to $10,000 per violation or criminal penalties, including imprisonment.

HCMUD 71 is proud to provide parks and recreational facilities for the community. By following these guidelines, residents help ensure that these spaces remain safe, clean, and welcoming for all. The information above is a summary of the District’s park rules. Click below to review the complete General Use Guidelines and Rules for Parks and Recreational Facilities policy.

General Use Guidelines and Rules for Parks and Recreational Facilities policy