Water firm 'ups ante' on fatberg prevention

Fatbergs form when congealed fats, oils and grease cool and harden in drains, leading to blockages

A campaign has helped stop huge amounts of fats, oils and grease from being poured down drains, South West Water (SWW) said.

The firm claimed 215,000 litres (47,293 gallons) was prevented from going down drains after it spoke to more than 1,700 businesses about avoiding fatbergs.

These are formed when congealed fats, oils and grease cool and harden in drains, leading to blockages.

One measuring 210ft (64m) was removed by SWW in Sidmouth in 2019.

The firm said it had given advice and grease trapping equipment to food-based firms over the last 18 months.

It said it had worked alongside its partner Environmental Compliance and Services (ECAS), which had visited a number of businesses in "hotpots" for blockages to find resolutions.

"We have upped the ante on fighting dreaded fatbergs by engaging with and supporting more food service establishments across Devon and Cornwall than ever before," SWW said.

'Can still do more'

Project manager Andrew Blake said the scheme had been a "step in the right direction" but more work was needed.

He said: "Through our efforts to raise awareness of the problems that fats, oils and greases cause in our network, and the subsequent environment following blockages, in around two-thirds of Devon and Cornwall we are seeing fewer incidents relating to these issues.

"This is a great step in the right direction to ensuring everyone is responsibly disposing of fats, oils and grease, but we can all still do more."