A new campaign aims to keep Loch Lomond looking lovely and Luss lush.
Scottish Water is targeting tourists and visitors to help keep beauty spots free from ‘fatbergs’ - congealed lumps of fats, oils and grease (FOG) that have been poured down sinks, and lead to pipes being blocked and sewers flooding.
Over the past few weeks, large amounts of FOG materials have appeared in the local water treatment works which could potentially damage equipment at the site and the environment.
Scottish Water has launched a marketing campaign specifically aimed at self-catering tourists and visitors in the area with the FOG-free message.
Georgina Reid, Scottish Water’s corporate affairs manager in the west said: “Luss is one of the most picturesque and attractive places to stay in Scotland.
“It is important we remind those staying on campsites and in self-catering accommodation that they have a major part to play in protecting its natural beauty.
“By following a few, simple steps people can dramatically reduce the impact of fats, oils, and grease on our public sewer network, lowering the risk of sewer flooding and pollution incidents and cutting the annual cost of dealing with sewer chokes and blockages.”
Scottish Water has also been contacting local hospitality businesses in the area with further advice on how they should dispose of FOG in a way that is safe for drains and the environment.
Georgina added: “Our wider Nature Calls campaign is asking the people of Scotland to bin wipes and other bathroom detritus to protect nature, and ultimately to ban wipes made from plastic.
“Many of these products combine with fats, oils and grease to create blockages – around 36,000 a year - which Scottish Water clears at a cost of £7million.
“Just a small change in our bathroom and kitchen behaviours will make a huge difference to our environment.”
People can back the ban by adding their name and email to the supporters list at www.JoinTheWave.Scot/Ban.
