Anglian Water and Environmental Compliance and Services (ECAS) have saved the East of England’s sewers from 10 million litres of fat, preventing avoidable blockages and helping protect homes, businesses and the environment from flooding and pollution.

This month marks a major milestone in Anglian Water’s longstanding partnership with ECAS, which has supported more than 12,200 food service establishments (FSEs) across the region since 2019. Together, the organisations have helped commercial kitchens change everyday habits and keep fats, oils and grease (FOGs) from entering the sewer system.

Connor Brailsford, Sewer Misuse Programme Manager at Anglian Water, said:

“Reaching this milestone shows the real impact that long term partnerships and practical engagement can have. By working closely with ECAS and food businesses across our region, we’ve helped keep millions of litres of fat out of the sewer network, reducing blockages, protecting communities from flooding, and safeguarding the environment. It’s a great example of how changes in everyday behaviour and the correct equipment can deliver significant, lasting benefits.”

There are more than 70,000 food service establishments operating across the Anglian Water region. By prioritising areas where sewer blockages pose the greatest risk to customers, communities and the environment, Anglian Water is working proactively with businesses to prevent problems from recurring and reduce the likelihood of flooding and pollution.

Alongside the ECAS programme, Anglian Water is:

installing thousands of sewer monitors to provide real‑time data on rising risk

investing in upgrades to the sewer network to keep pace with population growth

reinforcing its Just Bin It campaign, which encourages households and businesses to dispose of everyday unflushable items like wipes and cooking fats responsibly, so they don’t block the sewer network.

Sam Dalton, Operations Director at ECAS, said:

“Our important partnership with Anglian Water and the food sector over the last few years has laid the foundation for preventing blockages – especially during holidays like Easter – that could disrupt family get-togethers and harm the environment. By showing kitchen staff the importance of effective grease-trapping equipment and responsible kitchen practices, we’re helping food businesses keep FOG out of the sewers not just at Easter, but all year round.”

Section 111 of the Water Industry Act 1991 makes it a criminal offence for any food business to restrict or block the free flow of a public sewer. Water companies, including Anglian Water, can charge food service establishments for the cost of clearing blockages caused by incorrect disposal of FOGs.