Written question WQ91677

The Welsh Government does not hold information on fatberg blockage incidences for the last 10 years.

Water companies identify and monitor fatbergs as part of their wider network maintenance programmes. They have a duty to report blockages to OFWAT as part of their annual company performance returns and this data is publicly available from OFWAT’s website.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) does not routinely identify fatbergs. However, in the event of a blockage resulting in an environmental incident which required an NRW response, NRW may identify a fatberg.

The Welsh Government encourages all households and businesses to manage their water and waste to minimise blockages in sewer systems and we support the campaign work of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), who commission research such as ‘Sink Sense: Kitchen Sink Habits’ to inform their messaging.

Water companies actively remind customers through such schemes as Dwr Cymru Welsh Water’s ‘Stop the Block Campaign” to avoid disposing of things like nappies, wipes and cotton buds down the toilets.

As part of the new Workplace Recycling laws, which come into force on the 6 April, there will be a ban on workplaces disposing of their food waste to sewer. This will prevent workplaces using technologies such as macerators to dispose of food waste down the sewer instead of separating it out for recycling. Food waste going down the sewer can cause environmental harm, sewer blockages and leads to loss of valuable nutrients.