London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Hackney 1893

Report on the sanitary condition of the Hackney District for the year 1893

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27
I believe the Local Government Board were approached on this
subject, but with how much success is not apparent.
RIVER LEA.
During the summer of 1893, in consequence of the dryness of the
season, the level of the water of the Lea was considerably lowered, and
the pollutions to which it no doubt is subject became more manifest to
persons in the neighbourhood. In consequence, I presented the
following reports thereon to the Hackney Board of Works :—
ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES TAKEN FROM RIVER LEA, &c.
Complaints having been made that the Lea water was offensive in
smell, I made an inspection of the river, with the object, if possible, of
finding the source of pollution. I found that at a point in the river opposite
the White House, Temple Mills, the effluents from the Leyton and Walthamstow
sewage farms were poured into the river. I give below analyses of
samples of these effluents, and also an analysis of the Lea water taken
farther down the river. The analyses show the river water to be very much
polluted: and the samples of effluents show them to be not much better
than raw sewage. This will become a more serious nuisance during the hot

Table: I suggest, therefore, that the above facts be communicated to the Lea Conservancy Board, and that it be requested to take the necessary steps to prevent the Lea water being so polluted; and, in default, the London County Council be asked to take action.

I suggest, therefore, that the above facts be communicated to the Lea Conservancy Board, and that it be requested to take the necessary steps to prevent the Lea water being so polluted; and, in default, the London County Council be asked to take action.

Place of Collection of Sample.Physical Qualities.grains per gallon.
Total SolidsChlorineFree AmmoniaAlb'menoid AmmoniaNitrogen as NitratesOxygen ab sorbed in 1 hour at 60°PhosphoricAcid
Taken from River Lea, opposite "White Hart," Hotel, April 4th, 1893Appearance, slightly turbid; smell, musty; small amount of suspended matter28.23636.0224.148.080Heavy traces
Taken from the Leyton effluent as it leaves the Sewage Farm, April 4th, 1893Appearance, turbid; smell, offensive; large amount of suspended matter456.51.260.4690.00.538Heavy traces
Taken from the Walthamstow ditch just before its entrance into River Lea, April 4th, 1893Appearance, almost black; smell, very offensive; excessive amount suspended matter365.3.9100.1750.00.446Heavy traces

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20th April, 1893.