Christmas warning after 100-tonne fatberg discovered in London sewers
People have been warned to think about what they flush down their sinks and toilets over Christmas after a 100-tonne oil berg was found in London’s sewers.
The newly discovered oil mountain, a solid mass of frozen fats, oils, grease and unwashable waste, was found in Whitechapel, east London, and is estimated to extend to around 100 meters and weigh around 100 tonnes.
Thames Water’s head of waste operations for North London, Tim Davies, said clearing the blockage “could take weeks to complete”.
He added: “This latest pile of fat shows exactly what happens when fats, oils and wipes go down the drain – they don’t disappear, they build up and cause serious damage.” “The cost of clearing blockages and repairing drains runs into tens of millions of pounds every year, and this money ultimately comes from our customers.”
It has been called the “descendant” of the 2017 Whitechapel fatberg, which once weighed 130 tonnes and stretched more than 250 meters (820 ft). The 2017 fat mountain was one of the largest fat mountains ever discovered in the city, and an example was even put on display at the Museum of London.
Thames Water has now asked people to be careful about disposing of waste associated with rich cooking at Christmas.
Fats, oils and grease cause more than 20,000 blockages in the Thames Water network each year, accounting for 28 per cent of all sewer blockages.
The company said it saw a seasonal increase in blockages in December and January, with clearing costs totaling £2.1 million over the two-month period.
Research commissioned by Thames Water has found that households in London and the Thames Valley are unknowingly contributing to clogged pipes, dirty waterways and an increased risk of inland flooding due to daily disposable habits.
According to a recent study, more than 40 percent of people consumed broths, 39 percent consumed sauces, 18 percent consumed animal fats, including lard, 28 percent consumed cream, 21 percent consumed custards and 10.5 percent consumed hummus; These are all oily and greasy substances that can freeze in the pipes and clog them.
Thames Water urged people to scrape food debris from dirty dishes, ensure tap holes are fitted with a strainer and avoid pouring liquid foods such as sauces or creams down the sink.
