Fat busting gut bugs to be used to clear Dewsbury’s drains

The environmentally-friendly treatment process is being used at nine known hot-spots across the town where build-ups of fat, oils and greases are causing problems.

The treatment works by using organically grown bacillus bacteria, which is commonly found in the human gut, to feast on the fat, oils and grease, The bacteria will be mixed with non-chlorinated water before being poured into the sewer.

In the last six months, crews have attended more than 100 jobs to remove blockages in Dewsbury’s sewers, with 24 jobs carried out in March alone.

Cooking fat, oils and grease get into the sewer from household drains, usually via the kitchen sink and appliances such as dishwashers. These substances build up on the inside of the sewer pipe and harden, causing blockages, which can in worst case scenario’s lead to sewers flooding people’s homes and the environment.

Pollution manager at Yorkshire Water Patrick Killgallon said: “Having your home filled with waste from your toilet is a very unpleasant experience which no one should ever have to suffer, which is why we work hard to encourage people to think twice before they pour left over fat down the plug hole or flush the odd make-up wipe down the toilet.

“This said, we’ve already carried out dozens of jobs this year to remove blockages in Dewsbury, which shows the sheer scale of the issue we all face.”

Mr Killgallon added that Yorkshire Water was confident the bacteria would significantly help to reduce fat, oils and grease blockages.

For more advice on what to do with your fat and to pick up free goodies to help you keep Yorkshire Water’s sewers clean, visit yorkshirewater.com/dirty.

The bugs will be put in sewers Savile Town and Ravensthorpe from Friday.

See Friday’s paper to see if your street’s getting fat busting bugs.