By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE Guam Waterworks Authority has issued another warning urging businesses to put up grease traps to ensure that the island’s water supply is not contaminated by fats, oils, and grease dumped by commercial establishments.
In a letter to the utility’s restaurant or food processing account holders, GWA said that under Guam law, sewer services for commercial establishments with restaurant or food processing facilities must install grease traps prior to discharging into the public sewer system.
GWA warned that establishments without effective grease traps are subject to termination by GWA of water and sewer services.
According to GWA, non-existent grease traps or traps without proper maintenance can cause grease to plug the sewer mains, costing rate payers thousands of dollars per year in clean-up costs, as well as health and environmental threats from overflowing sewers.
In 2005 alone, GWA spent over $100,000 when it had to unclog the water system of unwanted grease.
“We could have used this money for other vital projects needed to improve the island’s water and wastewater system,” GWA public information officer Heidi Ballendorf pointed out.
According to GWA, maintaining an “effective” grease trap means having a regular grease trap “pump-out” conducted by a reputable pumping company that will dispose of the grease properly.
Ballendorf said GWA has already begun investigating the installation and regular maintenance of grease traps.
Anyone without a grease trap or without records of regular grease trap maintenance is subject to termination of water services in accordance with the law.
GWA is also planning to start a community educational program on the grease dumping problem.
For its educational program, GWA will be working with other community groups like the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, the umbrella organization of the island’s hotels which are big consumers of water.
GWA will likewise be working with other government agencies such as the Guam Environmental Protection Agency.