A team of water engineers has spent a month working to remove a significant fatberg beneath the streets of west London. This blockage, weighing approximately 100 tonnes and predominantly composed of wet wipes mixed with congealed fat, oil, and grease, was located about 10 metres underground. Thames Water has shared details of this extensive clean-up effort as part of a national campaign focused on the impact of improper waste disposal on waterways and the environment.
The issue of fatbergs is compounded by the challenges facing Thames Water, as its creditors are seeking leniency from the regulator Ofwat regarding pollution rules, citing difficulties in promptly addressing the necessary upgrades in London and south-east England. The company’s financial struggles stem from substantial debts accrued over two decades and criticism of inadequate investments in infrastructure.
Fatbergs form when fats and oils are poured down drains, combining with non-biodegradable items like wet wipes and cotton buds. If not managed, they can lead to sewer blockages, resulting in flooding and pollution. Investigators discovered the recent fatberg in Feltham after a sewer backup incident. This blockage was primarily made up of wet wipes compacted into a solid mass that obstructed a major sewer pipe.
Specialist engineers, working in protective gear, utilized tools such as picks, shovels, and high-pressure hoses to dislodge the blockage along 125 metres of sewer main. The removed material was then transported to a landfill designated for toxic waste. Thames Water reports that it spends £18 million annually to clear billions of wipes from its network and has recorded thousands of blockages primarily caused by wet wipes this year alone.
In response to the ongoing issue, the UK government has announced plans to legislate against the use of plastic in wet wipes. However, a recent survey indicated that a significant portion of the population still disposes of fats and oils improperly, presenting ongoing challenges for wastewater management.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/06/thames-water-removes-100-tonne-fatberg-from-feltham-sewer-west-london