The UKWIR Research is diving into a new approach for charging wastewater fees based on fat, oil, and grease (FOG) content. In a significant shift towards more proactive and source-control strategies for managing wastewater pollutants in England and Wales, the Independent Water Commission (IWC) released its Final Report on July 21, strongly advocating for this change.
In line with this push for sustainable environmental governance, UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) has conducted a study that tackles one of the water sector's biggest headaches: the buildup of FOG. Their report, titled “FOG Charging – Should Foodservice Wastewater Charges Reflect FOG Content?”, is now accessible on the UKWIR website.
This research looks into the possibility of a charging system where the costs for foodservice businesses are directly tied to the FOG levels in their wastewater. The goal of implementing a FOG-based charging model is to motivate foodservice establishments to improve their FOG management practices, ultimately leading to fewer expensive sewer blockages. Additionally, the study suggests a fairer cost recovery model for water companies responsible for keeping wastewater infrastructure robust and resilient.
A Persistent and Costly Issue
FOG build-up is a major culprit behind sewer blockages in the UK, leading to frequent and costly clean-up efforts. Water UK reports that the national expense for clearing FOG-related blockages tops £200 million each year. The bulk of these issues comes from commercial and domestic kitchens, especially those run by foodservice establishments (FSEs), which account for about 70% of the blockages.
Even though the Water Industry Act 1991 mandates that businesses must ensure their waste doesn’t obstruct or harm the sewer system, a staggering 69% of FSEs lack proper FOG management systems. Additionally, more than 20% are unaware of the FOG mitigation strategies available to them.
“This isn't just about compliance; it's about empowering businesses to mitigate costly operational disruptions, protect their brand reputation, and contribute to a healthier water environment,” explains Alison Edwards, drainage and wastewater manager at Welsh Water, who was UKWIR’s co-programme lead on the project- alongside Nick Mills, director of innovation and environment at Southern Water.
“This research is key to highlighting the FOG issue. It can be used by water companies to ensure businesses take action to stop FOG getting into the sewers; therefore, resolving the root cause of blockages with incentivisation.”
The impact of seasonal trends on FOG in wastewater systems is a significant concern. In the summer, the influx of tourists and the bustling activity of foodservice businesses often results in a higher volume of FOG entering sewer networks. While warmer temperatures can keep FOG in a liquid state, allowing it to flow more easily through the system, the colder winter months make things worse by causing it to solidify more quickly, leading to serious blockages.
Data consistently shows that both the frequency of these blockages and the maintenance costs rise during peak seasons, highlighting the pressing need for better preventative strategies.
A Path Toward Fairer Cost Recovery
According to Section 111 of the Water Industry Act 1991, all businesses must ensure their waste doesn’t harm or obstruct the sewer system. UKWIR suggests that implementing FOG-specific charges would more fairly allocate these costs to those responsible for the discharge. This approach would promote fairer financial contributions from high-impact users and encourage them to adopt improved practices.
“By exploring FOG-specific charges, UKWIR aims to establish a framework that helps businesses streamline their FOG management, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective operation,” added Edwards.
You can find the full report on UKWIR’s website: View the full study
