While most residents don’t think twice about what goes down their drains, the city of Niagara Falls is facing serious problems with fat, oil, and grease buildup in its sewer system. These substances, commonly known as FOG, cool and solidify on pipe walls, creating blockages throughout the city’s sewer network.
These blockages aren’t just a problem for the city. They often lead to sewage backups in homes and basements. When pipes get too clogged, raw sewage can overflow into parks, streets, and local waterways, causing environmental damage. The Region’s Sewer-use By-law specifically prohibits disposing of substances that can block sewer flow.
The damage from grease blockages can be costly for both homeowners and the city. Basement flooding and sewage backups require expensive repairs and cleaning. When untreated sewage enters water bodies, it harms the local environment. The city enforces strict policies to guarantee proper disposal methods are followed.
Improper FOG disposal leads to costly damage, environmental harm, and strict enforcement of disposal regulations.
Municipal Works inspects all sewer mains once every five years. They use high-pressure or mechanical devices to remove grease buildup and conduct video inspections to check pipe conditions. Areas with frequent grease problems get more regular maintenance. However, removing hardened grease is difficult and can damage pipes, especially during cold weather.
Niagara Falls runs educational campaigns about the dangers of improper FOG disposal. The city reminds residents not to pour fats, oils, or grease down drains or toilets. Breaking these rules can result in penalties under local by-laws. Educational resources explaining proper disposal methods are available on city and regional websites.
Residents can help prevent sewer backups by scheduling regular lateral inspections to catch FOG-related issues early. The city promotes programs like the Weeping Tile Removal Assistance Program to reduce inflow to sanitary sewers.
If backups occur, residents should contact city services immediately. Municipal Works offers 24/7 emergency service lines for sewer incidents, including those caused by grease blockages.
City-led infrastructure programs help residents protect their homes while supporting broader environmental goals. Staying informed and proactive can reduce the risk of costly damage. Learn more about local utility services and prevention efforts on Marketplace Niagara.
