HOW CAN I HELP: Fats, Oils & Grease

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Grease in our sewer system is a major environmental problem. Though most of us are aware of the potential health risks of having too much grease in our diets, we don't realize that putting grease into our sewer system poses a public health hazard and threatens the environment.

As grease from households and businesses passes through the sewer system, it sticks to the inside of the sewer lines. Over time, this grease builds up and blocks the sewer system causing raw sewage overflows and backups.

In order to alleviate these environmental problems, wastewater agencies must devote considerable resources to removing grease from the sewer lines. These increased operations and maintenance costs ultimately impact customers with higher user fees. ReWa is already addressing the grease problem with local food service establishments through its Sewer Use Regulation.

Unfortunately, these regulations only address part of the problem. Most grease comes from homes. We need your help to protect the health of our community and the streams of the Upstate.