11 December 2007
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) issued a festive warning yesterday - pointing out the threat that turkey fat poured down sinks following Christmas dinner could potentially damage the sewerage system.
According to the CCW, there is 25% extra fat and oil poured down drains over the period - causing strain on pipe work through blockages and resulting in a build up of wastewater and sewage.
Moreover, customers might be hit with higher water bills due to the high cost of the fatty blockage clear-up - or might even be hit by a sewage flood themselves - the CCW pointed out.
Diane McCrea from the Consumer Council for Water, said: "Having the home flooded with sewage is very unpleasant and companies should provide the best customer service possible to prevent it happening in the first place.
"However, customers have a vital role to play too by disposing of fats, oils and grease responsibly to help reduce blockages - clearing blockages is a cost to companies which unfortunately gets passed onto all customers’ bills."
The CCW's warning statement also pointed out that, with up to one billion types of viruses, bacteria and parasite cysts in a single gram of faeces, the blockages and floods can pose a serious public health risk.
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