Wastewater · Technical Article · DWA-M 760
· 8 min read
DWA-M 760: What the New Guideline Means for Sewer Network Operators and Municipalities
The new DWA technical guideline M 760 "Fat-Containing Wastewater" establishes the first uniform evaluation framework for sewer network operators, municipalities and regulatory authorities. It is no longer just about grease traps — it is about the entire system: sewer network, influent, and biological treatment stage.
This article summarises what the guideline means in practice — and where biological fat degradation plays a complementary role that the guideline explicitly acknowledges.
Key Takeaways
What sewer network operators and municipalities should take from DWA-M 760:
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1
DWA-M 760 evaluates fat input systemically — a grease trap alone is no longer sufficient as evidence
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2
Biological measures such as lipasanF® are explicitly recognised as a complementary solution
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Municipal pilot projects (Amperverband, Groß-Gerau, Pfungstadt, LINEG) demonstrate measurable effectiveness
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Early biological intervention reduces sewer corrosion, rehabilitation costs and odour pollution
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DWA-M 760 specifically regulate, and who does it apply to?
DWA-M 760 is directed at sewer network operators, municipalities, regulatory authorities and planners. It defines requirements for the treatment of fat-containing wastewater along the entire disposal chain — from the discharge source via the grease trap to the wastewater treatment plant influent. The focus is on the systemic context, no longer just on the grease trap as a stand-alone structure.
Is a properly operated grease trap sufficient under DWA-M 760?
Not necessarily. The guideline requires a systemic assessment of the actual fat input into the sewer. In addition to the grease trap, operators must maintain influent measurements, inspection data and operating logs. Where mechanical separators alone are insufficient, supplementary measures — including biological processes — are explicitly recognised.
What role does biological fat degradation play under DWA-M 760?
DWA-M 760 recognises biological measures as a complementary approach. Products such as lipasanF® use selectively cultured microbial culture to enzymatically degrade triglycerides — directly in the grease trap or sewer influent. Municipal pilot projects (Amperverband Bayern, Groß-Gerau, Pfungstadt, LINEG) verify effectiveness by measurement.
How do H₂S odours and sewer corrosion arise from grease — and how can they be prevented?
Grease deposits create anaerobic zones in the sewer where sulphate-reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). In moisture, H₂S oxidises to sulphuric acid, which destroys concrete from within. Biological fat degradation in the influent area prevents the formation of these anaerobic zones — and thereby sustainably reduces odour emissions and corrosion damage.
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