Fats, Oils & Grease Program (FOG)

Grease going down the drain can cause serious problems in our sewers. Fats, oils and grease are a byproduct of cooking and can cause serious problems in our sewers. They are one of the leading causes of sewer backups for homes and businesses. Changing what goes in the drain prevents overflows, preventing possible damage to your home, business, property, the environment and your pocketbook.

Where does grease come from?

Fats, oils and greases are found in such things as:

  • Meat fats
  • Food scraps
  • Cooking oil
  • Lard and shortening
  • Butter and margarine

When grease is washed down the drain, it sticks to the inside of sewer pipes (both on your property and in the streets.) Over time, it builds up and can block an entire pipe. Sewer systems are not designed or equipped to handle the grease buildup from the fats, oils and grease. If not disposed of properly, the fats, oil and greases can build up in the sewer system and block entire pipes, causing sewer backups and overflows.

The results of a grease-blocked sewer pipe can be

  • Sewage overflows in your home
  • Expensive cleanup that may be paid for by the property owner.
  • Possible contact with disease-causing organisms
  • Environmental hazards to our creeks, lagoons and even the ocean as the storm drains carry the sewage into the surface waters.

Benefits from the City's FOG Control Program

  • When homes, restaurants, and commercial kitchens follow proper FOG handling procedures, blockages and resulting sewer overflows are prevented.
  • The program assists residents and businesses in complying with new FOG regulations and in preventing blockages and sewer overflow caused by FOG.

Publications

Contact Information

Thanks for doing your part to keep fats, oils and grease out of the sewer!

Please call (760) 726-1340 ext. 1686 or e-mail: waterquality@cityofvista.com .