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1ll
was in my opinion suitable for the purposes indicated. I beg
herewith to report the result of my investigations:—
The Lee Navigation Stream stretches in a south-easterly
direction from the Tottenham Lock past the Waterworks of the
Eastern District, forming up to this point the eastern boundary of
the Borough, whence it cuts across the Hackney Marsh in the
same direction past Hackney Wick to Poplar.
The character of the water in this part of the river varies at
different seasons of the year. During the summer months the
putrefactive processes are more active in the water, and during the
winter months the river is frequently in flood, receiving pollutions
of all kinds. During all times of the year the river receives a
large amount of pollution from its floating population and from the
towing path. At the time of my visit the water was turbid, partly
due, no doubt, to some rain which had fallen a day or two before,
and it did not present an inviting appearance for bathing.
In order to get some idea of the character of the water at the
present time, I had samples taken, one from a point about 40 yards
below the old Tottenham sewage works, and another at Lea Bridge.
I assume that if the Lee water from the Navigation Canal were
used to supply a bathing pond, it would be taken from some part
between these two points. Annexed is the result of the analyses.
It will be seen that the Lee water of the Navigation Canal is an
extremely polluted water. When the samples were taken the river
was in partial flood, but it had not risen to any appreciable extent.
Whilst the recent partial flooding of the river may have added a
considerable amount of suspended matter, and a small quantity of
organic matter to the water, I am of opinion, with this
qualification, that the samples fairly represent the average condition
of the water of the Lee Navigation Canal.
Is this water in a fit condition for bathing purposes? The
chief object in bathing is that of cleanliness; the secondary object,
the acquision and use of a healthy exercise. With polluted water
the former would not be attained, and the exercise would become
dangerous and unhealthy. Swimming cannot be indulged in,