County looking at options to solve flushing problem in county Jail

Officials say There might be a bright side to problems with flushing toilets at the Etowah County Detention Center.  Chief of Corrections Scott Hassell said Tuesday  that since the news has spread about inmates flushing inappropriate items and causing problems for the city’s sewer system, jail officials have been approached about different options that might help.  County Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Simms said the county has consulted with an engineering firm to help figure out the best solution to the problem.  Inmates have been flushing everything from bedsheets to potato chip bags to plastics.  One option includes putting controls on the toilets that would limit the number of flushes. Simms said that might save enough money in water and sewage fees to cover the cost of a more powerful grinder system.  Simms said there also might be an option to recirculate other gray water, from the washing machine and other areas. The County Commission and jail officials are hoping to meet soon with representatives of the Gadsden Water Works and Sewer Board to address the issue. Last week, Chief Deputy Michael Barton explained that the problem is not unique in Etowah County, but common in jails across the country.