Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is tellingpeople who illegally dump waste into sewers to think twice about it as theiractions could end in them facing severe financial penalties. 

The warning comes just days after the utility companysuccessfully prosecuted north Wales-based ML Oils Ltd along with the company’sdirector, Martin Corbett, for various offences under the Water Industry Act1991, connected with the illegal discharge of fat and oils into the sewer network.

Welsh Water solicitor Christine Thorpe said: “Wesuspected the Holywell based company of illegally disposing of waste fat andcooking oil collected from its customers into the public sewer network. Ourinvestigations confirmed our suspicions and we prosecuted both the director andcompany. Mold Magistrates imposed fines and costs in excess of £35,000.

“We want this to act as a warning to anyone else doingthe same thing, so it is understood that we are cracking down on offenders andwill not hesitate to prosecute those we believe to be guilty of illegally usingthe public sewer system to dump waste. It adversely affects the service that weare able to provide to the rest of our customers, and we must act to protectthe sewer network.”

The number ofblockages and pollution incidents relating to fat, oil and grease areincreasing. There are approximately 200,000 sewer blockages throughout the UKevery year of which up to 75% are caused by fat, oil and grease. Clearing theseblockages costs millions of pounds a year, which is reflected in customers’bills.

Businessesalso risk blocking their own drainage systems, which results in extra costsbeing incurred in clean-up efforts. These fat blockages can result in sewerflooding, odour problems and the risk of rat infestations.

Welsh Wateris investing heavily and working hard to ensure top quality services to all thecommunities it serves. The company is investing £1.3 billion in its water andsewerage network between 2010 and 2015.

It is a‘not-for-profit company’ which has been owned by Glas Cymru since 2001. WelshWater does not have shareholders, and any financial surpluses are reinvested inthe business for the benefit of customers.

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Enquiries to the Dŵr CymruWelsh Water press office on 029 2055 6140

Notes to Editors