120 tonne fatberg removed from Oxford sewer

• A 120 tonne fatberg, equivalent in size of a blue whale, is removed from a large trunk sewer in Oxford. 
• Clearing the fatberg required a coordinated effort from multiple Thames Water teams and contractors, highlighting the scale and complexity of the operation. 
• Every year Thames Water clears 75,000 blockages from their sewer network, at a cost of £18 million.

Multiple teams across Thames Water joined forces to tackle a 120-tonne fatberg, stretching over one kilometre through an Oxford trunk sewer. The complex operation took two weeks to complete, involving the removal of congealed fat, oil, grease, and wipes from the pipe located 20 metres underground. 

Due to the pipe’s size and depth underground, high gas levels elevated by the fatberg, and the need to maintain Oxford’s wastewater flow, the operation required careful planning with safety as a top priority. This included securing special permits, safely venting the built-up gases before entry and taking advantage of the dry weather conditions to ensure a safe and controlled operation.  

Every year Thames Water clears 75,000 blockages from its sewer network, at a cost of £18 million. With 60% of sewer flooding incidents caused by sewer abuse it’s important to highlight the importance of only flushing the three Ps down the toilet – Pee, Poo and Paper, as part of the companies, Bin it, Don’t Block it campaign. 

This year to date Thames Water has cleared 35,178 blockages due to sewer abuse including: 

• 23,556 wet wipe related blockages.
• 11,104 fat, oil and grease blockages.
• 518 3rd party blockages, such as concrete and other items. 

Jamie Whitmore, Senior Project Manager said “Our purpose is to deliver life's essential service, so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive. Clearing this 120-tonne fatberg showcased the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of our people across the business. The scale of the blockage and the conditions underground made this activity challenging and I’m incredibly proud, we were able to maintain the safety of our teams whilst continuing to provide wastewater services for Oxford. This is a powerful reminder of why it’s so important to only flush the three Ps down the toilet, so we can continue to keep our sewers flowing and reduce the risk of flooding, blockages and pollutions.”