San Antonio Water System (SAWS) — FOG Abatement Program
Not legal advice. Last verified 2026-09-24 · confidence high. Confirm with the city before you set a contract.
Minimum interval: 90 days.
Accumulation rule: Sec. 34-527(b): evacuate not less often than every ninety (90) days and within two (2) working days whenever twenty-five (25) percent or more of the wetted height of the interceptor, measured from the bottom of the device to the invert of the outlet pipe, contains floating materials, sediment, fats, oils, or grease. Completely empty the unit. The Grease Procedure Manual restates 90 days or 25% of wetted depth.
Records: keep required records about 5 years on site.
Hauler: Interceptors greater than 100 gallons: SAWS-permitted liquid waste hauler; complete evacuation; dispose only at a permitted facility. Interceptors 100 gallons or less: permitted hauler optional; if self-evacuated, keep a cleaning log (location, type, date/time, quantity, disposal location, employee signature) (Sec. 34-527(c), 34-528).
Permit: Every FSE/FPE must discharge FOG-bearing fixtures through a code-compliant interceptor (Sec. 34-526). Annual inspection by a licensed plumber or SAWS-approved professional after evacuation, with photos; defects corrected within 90 days (Sec. 34-527(d)).
Enforcement: Class C misdemeanor $200–$2,000 per violation per day; civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation per day. Unremedied notice of violation can lead to water/sewer shutoff (Sec. 34-531). Confirm current practice with SAWS.
NFPA 96 frequencies (widely republished by fire departments): solid fuel monthly; high-volume quarterly; moderate semiannual; low-volume annual. Insurers and local fire inspectors can be stricter.