Titanic ‘fatberg’ causes blockage

The Water Corporation is calling on South West residents to think twice about what they flush after a 30kg “fatberg” was pulled from the wastewater system.

The congealed solid mass of fats, oils and wipes was discovered blocking a pipe at the Opal Drive Pump Station in Australind.

South West regional manager John Janssen said there had been several blockages across the region and it was important for residents and businesses to watch what they flush down the toilet or pour down the sink.

“Nearly 80 per cent of all wastewater blockages in the Bunbury area were caused by fats, oils, grease and items such as nappies and wet wipes,” he said.

“Disposing of these products this way can result in expensive damage for us and for householders and every year it costs more than $150,000 to combat the issue.”

He said Water Corporation maintained 1460km of sewer mains in the South West alone and they played an important part in helping to protect the environment by safely taking away wastewater for treatment.

“It is up to all of us to protect this crucial infrastructure and remember that our toilets and sinks are not rubbish bins,” he said.

“Toys, wet wipes and even cutlery are just some of the items that can build up in the wastewater system.”