Southern Water: More than 6,800 fatbergs recorded in 2025

More than 6,800 blockages have been reported across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in 2025, with Southern Water warning the public to think twice about what goes down the drain amid the busy holiday season.

Engineers from the water company, nicknamed "blockbusters," have been visiting areas as part of a festive campaign to prevent fatbergs from spoiling family Christmas celebrations.

Southern Water's 'blockbusters' has issued a warning to customers. (Image: Southern Water)

Fatbergs are large masses formed when fat, oil, and grease (known as FOG) combine with non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes, sanitary products and cotton buds in the sewer system.

Matt Collins, who leads the FOG and Unflushables team at Southern Water, said: "There’s a one-in-10 chance of a fatberg blocking your pipes this Christmas if you pour fat, oil and grease down the sink – turkey or otherwise.

"Festive feasting can leave sewers stuffed and customers may have to pay the price to clear their pipes if they find themselves with a blockage."

More than 70 per cent of these blockages are preventable, according to Southern Water.

Mr Collins said: "FOG should never go down the drain.

"Instead, allow them to cool in containers, avoid a potential greasy nightmare and put the turkey fat in the bin."

The company’s message, "bin for the win," was promoted at the National Drainage Show in London. (Image: Southern Water)

Southern Water has suggested an environmentally friendly alternative.

A Southern Water spokesperson said: "Alternatively, you could be your own Christmas Master Chef and freeze turkey fat in containers to make stock cubes.

"They can be added to casseroles for an extra kick of flavour and can be used to enhance a host of dishes such as soups, stews, risottos and roast potatoes."

The company has reminded residents to only flush the "three Ps" down the toilet.

Items like nappies, wipes, tampons, sanitary towels and condoms should all be bagged and placed in the bin rather than flushed.

Mr Collins said: "A big thank you to all our customers who already dispose of household waste correctly.

"Make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to keep it clear, and you’ll be doing your bit to help prevent blockages and flooding."

The company’s message, "bin for the win," was also promoted at the National Drainage Show in London as part of its ongoing public awareness efforts.