Why is FOG a Problem?

Challenges and Impacts

Once FOG is washed down drains, it meets cooler water temperatures and becomes solid. If not properly removed or prevented, this thickened FOG will travel into the sewer collection system where it will cling to pipe walls and attract other FOG particles and any other solids that encounter it. Over time, these buildups grow, restricting the flow of water to our Water Reclamation Plant.

Imagine a clogged artery in a human body—FOG acts the same way when it is in our collection system. As the blockage worsens, water is forced to find another route. This backup can lead to sewage being pushed back into your drains or out of manhole covers in roads and parking lots. When the untreated sewage spills in this way, it's called a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO). These events are costly to clean up and expose people and the environment to harmful bacteria, viruses, and other hazards.

Garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the plumbing system. These units only shred solid material into smaller pieces and do not prevent grease from going down the drain.