Over the past 18 months Severn Trent have been trialling a new materials technology used for mitigating the build-up of fats, oils and grease (FOG) in sewers.

Known as Next FOG-Stop, the solution also helps reduce maintenance costs and flooding associated with sewer blockages. The water company has now signed an agreement with the US based technology supplier, Next Filtration Technologies, Inc., to allow full scale deployment at some of its sites, as well as continuing with the evaluation of additional applications.

Steve Fox, President of Next Filtration commented:

“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Severn Trent. Our aim is to prove the most efficient and green solution is using established native bacteria - rather than introducing foreign bacterial cultures. We applaud the vision and willingness of Severn Trent to embrace our technology and hope their promising results will lead the way for utilities throughout our industry.”    

Bob Stear, Deputy Chief Engineer at Severn Trent added:

“We’re looking forward to moving into the next phase of collaboration with Next Filtration. Sewer blockages and associated flooding are a huge problem for us and our customers and we are excited about how using new and innovative products can help us mitigate challenges and provide a better customer service.”