Introducing...The Award Winning Don’t Be a Pain in the Drain Campaign


Over the past few years, the amount of fat, oil, grease and grit (FOGG) in our wastewater collection system has increased, and is becoming a significant problem, causing blockages, equipment failures and other damage to the wastewater collection system. Over 50% of the sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) experienced within our service area can be attributed to blockages in the lines caused by the accumulation of residential FOGG. This is costly to us and to our customers, detrimental to water quality and a potential health risk for those who may come in contact with the SSO. Commercial customers are regulated and required to have oil and grease interceptors by our pretreatment program. Residential customers, however, are not regulated in this way, and our experience indicates that the majority of these SSOs are being caused by the accumulation of FOGG in our collection system. The Clark County Water Reclamation District (District) began a public education and outreach initiative to increase the awareness of this issue and actions that could be taken to reduce the amount of FOGG in our system.

The ongoing program is centered around the Web Site: www.paininthedrain.com, and five central characters: Captain Can It (our hero) and the Villains of FOGG, Fat, Oil, Grease and Grit. The site features the “Adventures of Captain Can It” cartoon series, with new episodes being added frequently. The site also contains a variety of activities, information and materials aimed at reducing the amount of FOGG making its way to our systems. The web site is supported by a variety of outreach and education efforts that promote proper FOGG disposal, such as handing out grease cans, temporary tattoos and other collateral and promotional items; presenting in-classroom programs to school children; informational mailings in sewer bills; public service announcements; and presenting information at booths at local events. Collection sites for recycling cooking oil were made available during the winter holiday season.

Please go to www.paininthedrain.com to learn more about proper disposal and to request a grease can, a Captain Can It Team Member Kit, or to request a classroom or group presentation. You may also contact us at 434-6689.

Industry Awards

National Association of Clean Water Agencies Environmental Achievement Award -Public Information and Education Award for the Pain in the Drain Program
NACWA's National Environmental Achievement Awards Program annually recognizes individuals and member agencies that have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection and wastewater management. The Public Information & Education Awards honor agencies for their inventive efforts to educate the public on the effects of waste water treatment and pollution control on the environment.

City, County, Communications and Marketing Association Savvy Award for "The Adventures of Captain Can It"
The 3CMA Savvy Awards Competition has a history of recognizing and honoring the most effective programs in local government.

City County Communications and Marketing Association Susan B. Farmer Memorial Award - "Honoring the Most Outstanding Environmental Video" for "The Adventures of Captain Can It"

City County Communications and Marketing Association Silver Circle Award – Communication Technology-Website for www.paininthedrain.com