The ugly truth about sewage in London's waterways
The London Free Press recently published a story raising an issue which some Londoners may still be unaware is an ongoing problem in London. Outdated, combined sanitary sewers (sewage carrying) and stormwater sewers across the city cannot handle water volumes during storm events resulting in sanitary and storm waters mixing and raw sewage being expelled directly into our natural waterways, including the Coves and the Thames River.
Between Feb. 7 and Feb. 11 approximately 77,000m3 of raw effluent (700 swimming pools full) and 366,000m3 of effluent with basic treatment (3327 swimming pools full) entered the Thames River
(It should be noted that basic treatment means settling of some solids and no other physical or chemical treatment)
The 3 main causes of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in London:
water percolating through the ground into old crumbling sewer pipes
overcapacity stormwater flows within sewer and storm water pipes result in the two mixing
drainage of people's yards with weeping tiles
The first cause is one that the City of London is working on through a 20-year plan to separate combined sanitary and stormwater sewers. This is a reason not to grumble when you see road closures due to yet another sewer rehabilitation project next summer - these projects are good news for water quality and the environment.
The second and third causes are where most Londoners can pitch in to help reduce water pollution in London.
Here are a few ideas:
- Use phosphorus-free laundry and dish detergents
- If you need to repave your driveway, consider using a permeable surface, such as gravel, to reduce runoff
- Use a rain barrel to collect rain water for gardening, car washing or other purposes
- Install low flow shower heads and low flow toilets
- Disconnect any eavestrough downspouts connected to the storm sewer and redirect them to you lawn or garden. Include rain gardens in your landscaping to handle water from your downspouts.
*** Are you a Friends of the Coves member who owns property within the Coves Subwatershed? ***
Not sure - see a map HERE.
If you are, our Pollution Solutions Project Manager would be happy to make a courtesy visit to your property to discuss water conservation and protection strategies with you.
For more information from Friends of the Coves on water pollution and tips to prevent it (including Rain Gardens) see HERE
For more information about sewage treatment and other environmental issues in London (including actual reports and data) visit the Community of London Environmental Awareness Reporting (CLEAR) Network HERE
Read a recent article on this issue in the London Free Press HERE