South West Water’s War on Fatbergs: Over 370,000 Litres of Fats Prevented from Entering Sewers

South West Water has successfully stopped over 370,000 litres of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the region’s sewers, reducing the risk of blockages and environmental pollution. The water company is working to tackle the issue of fatbergs by raising awareness and partnering with businesses to protect the sewer network.

A Growing Problem: Blockages Caused by Fats, Oils, and Wipes

The water company estimates that around 200,000 wet wipes are flushed down toilets across the region each day. Nationally, 48% of people admit to pouring fats, oils, and grease down their drains, contributing to severe blockages. South West Water spent £3 million last year clearing more than 6,400 blockages, with 75% of these caused by wipes and fats combining in the system.

These blockages form fatbergs, large masses of congealed fat and other materials, which not only clog sewers but can lead to environmental damage.

Preventing Blockages Through Local Collaboration

In partnership with environmental compliance experts, ECAS, South West Water is working with food outlets and businesses to address the issue at the source. Teams recently visited Hope Cove in South Devon, using CCTV cameras to survey the local sewer system and identify areas where fats were beginning to accumulate.

The water company and ECAS then collaborated with local businesses to find ways to reduce FOG entering the system, including installing grease-trapping equipment. This equipment helps prevent fats from going down the drain, stopping potential blockages before they can occur.

Unblocktober: A National Campaign for Change

South West Water is also supporting Unblocktober, the world’s first month-long campaign to raise awareness about proper waste disposal in both homes and businesses. Throughout October, the campaign encourages people to commit to only flushing pee, poo, and paper down the toilet, and avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease into drains.

Rob Redding, South West Water’s Recovery & Treatment Manager, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “Fats, oils, and greases can form together in our network, pumping stations, and treatment works to create blockages and fatbergs, which can cause havoc.”

Marc Downes, Operations Manager at ECAS, praised the local response: “The response from the business owners we’ve worked with has been fantastic. Every item of fat, oil, and grease that is stopped from going down into the network helps prevent it from getting blocked.”

The work to prevent fatbergs will continue year-round, with South West Water and ECAS focusing on reducing FOG in the wastewater network across the region.

For more information about Unblocktober, visit the official website.