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POLLUTION OF THE MOSELLE
The area drained by the Moselle and its tributaries includes part of
Muswell Hill, lower Highgate, Central Hornsey, part of Crouch End
and the Campsbourne. It eventually flows into the River Lea via
Wood Green and Tottenham.
Almost all the properties in this drainage area have two systems of
drains—soil and surface-water. It is the surface-water drains which
discharge into the Moselle. These should carry only rain-water but
investigation has disclosed that in many houses waste water and soil
fittings have been connected to the surface-water drains. Other sources
of pollution, some from industrial premises, are also affecting the purity
of the effluent. The situation gradually deteriorated and in July, 1947,
the Lee Conservancy Catchment Board served a notice on the Borough
Council to abate the pollution.
As a result of the notice a complete check on sewers throughout the
entire Moselle drainage area was carried out. Each check was followed
by inspections of properties from which it was suspected that pollution
was occurring. The inspections involved examination of the front
inspection chambers where it was often found that the soil drain was
choked and the sewage was leaking into the surface-water system.
Sampling of the dry weather flow of the Moselle clearly indicated
that pollution was not restricted to any one part of the area.
After further consideration by the Council it was decided that the
only way to solve the problem was to check and, if necessary, test or
trace the drains of every property draining into the Moselle.
This work was commenced by the permanent sanitary inspectors,
but as they could only devote part of their time to it, two additional
temporary sanitary inspectors were appointed in January, 1951. They
were engaged full-time with the sewer flushers in checking and testing
all drains and fittings. After eight months the two temporary inspectors
left to take up permanent appointments and they were replaced in
October, 1951, by one temporary inspector.
The investigation continued throughout 1952 and into the first few
months of 1953. Altogether 8,297 properties have been inspected.
Sources of pollution found are shown in the following table:—
Discharging into surface-water drain:
Sinks 552
Baths 101
Lavatory basins 201
Water-closets 41 895
Choked soil drains overflowing into surface water drains 84
Pollution from gullies connected to surface water drains 28
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