Don’t let a fatberg ruin your holidays!

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fats, oils, and greases stuck in pipe

Last Updated on October 31, 2024

What is a fatberg?

A fatberg is a waste mass in a sewer system made up of non-biodegradable solids like fats, oils, grease (FOG), and wipes. They form when people wash or flush these items down pipes (including sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and showers), and they combine to create a lump that clogs up pipes. Just as cholesterol accumulates in human arteries, these fatbergs can grow so large that they reduce flow capacity and cause inconvenient and expensive back-ups in both a home or a business’s plumbing and sanitary sewer systems.

A dreaded fatberg looms in the pipes beneath the streets of San Antonio, ready to ruin holiday cheer.

Why are fatbergs and FOG dangerous?

The buildup of FOGs and wipes, AKA fatbergs, in sewer pipes not only restricts the flow of wastewater from homes and businesses but can also trigger spills known as sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). YUCK! SSOs can lead to the contamination of your local creek and the San Antonio River and increased costs to you and your neighbors, business owners, and wastewater service providers, such as the River Authority. Additionally, fatbergs in the wastewater collection system can travel all the way to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). When this happens, they impact the ability of the microorganisms in the treatment process to properly treat the wastewater. The five WWTPs owned and operated by the River Authority have a combined capacity of over 15 million gallons per day, and fatbergs can be a substantial maintenance issue for these plants.

Be aware of what you’re putting down the drains and flushing down the toilet. Not only will you protect the San Antonio River, but you’ll protect your own pocketbook too!

River Authority Utilities Crew Conducting Line Maintenance

River Authority crew cleaning sewer pipeline using water.

What are examples of FOGs?

 

Keeping track of what we put down our pipes during the holiday season— a time when many of us gather in large groups to indulge in FOG-heavy meals— is crucial.

The list below names the TOP FOG-HEAVY FOODS that could contribute to fatbergs:

Don't pour Holidays down the drain!

  • Animal Fats
  • Butter
  • Dairy Products
  • Desserts
  • Dressings
  • Food Scraps
  • Lard
  • Margarine
  • Oils
  • Sauces
  • Shortening
  • Soups

STOP THE FATBERGS

Instead of washing FOGs down the drain, follow these three easy steps for a fatberg-free holiday season:

  1. Pour cooking oils and greases into a container, freeze it, trash it.
  2. Before washing dishes, scrape food particles and batters into the trash.
  3. Never flush disposable diapers, wipes, rags, or disinfectant wipes down the toilet.

TIP: You can reuse old jars or cans for old cooking oil, dressing, and other liquid disposables.

Read below for another great way to save $ on your utility bill this winter!

Save $ with Winter Averaging

Piggybank with winter hat standing on top of gold coins

 

Since the River Authority sewer charges are based on your average winter water use, using less water this winter can add up to savings next year! Winter averaging takes the amount of water used in a home during three complete billing cycles from mid-November to mid-March to calculate your sewer fee for the whole year beginning the following July 1. Here are a few tactics to save water this winter:

For more information on how the sewer portion of your water bill is calculated, please see River Authority Wastewater Treatment Benefits.

By doing the above, you can help the River Authority Utilities Department (or your local WWTP utility provider) keep ecosystems of the San Antonio River Basin clean and be proactive in protecting wastewater collection pipes while saving money. That’s River Gratitude!

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Park Closure Notice: Trueheart Ranch

Unfortunately, Trueheart Ranch Nature Park (14984 Blue Wing Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221) is closed until further notice due to recent vandalism. We’re working to assess and repair the damage to ensure the park is safe and welcoming for everyone. Thank you for your understanding—updates will be shared as soon as we have them.

Trail Closure: Museum Reach at Pearl

* Trail temporarily closed from 2/3/2025 until 5/16/2025.
* For southbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river and utilize the Hotel Emma bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Access to the east side river trail via the elevator or stairs.
* For northbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river trail at the south bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Continue north through Pearl towards Hotel Emma. The west & east side river trail accessible via the Hotel Emma bridge.

North Bridge West Landing & Stairs Trail Closure Map

 

Graytown Park Parking Lot Construction Notice 

Construction Timeline: April – October 2024 (estimated)

Improvements are coming to Graytown Park! Parking lot construction will begin in April, and we appreciate your patience as we work to enhance the park for all visitors.

Temporary Closures & Impacts:

  • Upper parking area, pavilion, and restrooms will be CLOSED during construction. Temporary restroom facilities will be provided.
  • Park and river access will be CLOSED Monday–Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM (no access during these hours).

We encourage visitors to plan accordingly and check back for updates as the project progresses. Thank you for your support!

Stay Updated: Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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