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35
THE RIVER LEA.
The River Lea continues to maintain its reputation as a highly
polluted stream, and a source of nuisance to the district of Hackney.
During the hot months of the year its evil odour is perceptible at
long distances. The following copy of a report on a sample of the
river water indicates the character of its pollutions:—
Public Analyst's Laboratory,
31, Moorgate Street, London,
July 14th, 1899.
Report on sample of River Lea Water received from the Hackney Vestry,
marked " from Lead Mill Stream (Lead Mill Point), 5/7/99." Received 6/7/99.
Total solid residue 55.6 grains per gallon.
Saline ammonia 3.36 „ „
Organic ammonia 0.42 „ „
Chlorine 8.0 ,, „
Oxygen required to oxidise the organic matter 2.149 „ „
Nitrates and Nitrites Strong traces.
Sulphuretted Hydrogen Absent.
The sample possessed a distinct sewage odour, and was brownish-yellow in
colour.
It is practically diluted sewage.
LEO. TAYLOR, P.I.C.. etc., Public Analyst.
In my last year's report I stated that Major L. Flower, Engineer
to the Lea Conservancy Board, C.E., had been instructed to prepare
plans, estimates, etc., of the construction of a main drainage scheme
for the Lea Valley. This has been done, and early in April, 1899,
these plans were considered by the Public Health and General
Purposes Committee of the Vestry, and subsequently the following
report embodying their views was presented to and adopted by the
Vestry:—