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82
Report of the Medical Officer of Health for 1935.
In order to determine the condition of the river over a considerable
period and under different weather conditions, it was
decided to take a series of samples of the river water and of certain
effluents which are discharged into it, and to submit them to the
Public Analyst for examination and report. The result of these
examinations and the conclusions to be drawn from them were
included in a joint report on the condition of the river which was
made to the River Wandle Committee of the Council by the
Borough Engineer and myself.
In this report it was pointed out that the River Wandle, which
is some ten miles in length, has already flowed for eight miles before
it enters the Borough of Wandsworth. During its course it receives
quantities of surface water and land drainage, the effluents from
three sewage farms and the trade discharges from a number of
factories. Extensive pollution of the river is caused by these
effluents and it is already heavily polluted when it enters the
Borough. The water in the river is often in a foul condition and at
various points extensive deposits of objectionable matter occur.
The Public Analyst, reporting on the condition of the river
as it enters the Borough, states that at this point it can no longer
be judged on ordinary river water standards but that the stream
possesses the character of a sewage effluent and must be considered
as such.
The banks of the river are often irregular in outline, and
consist of earth or mud which is frequently overgrown with vegetation.
In this condition they make ideal breeding places for winged
insects and they also harbour rats. Heavy material floating
down the stream is caught up and it is practially impossible to keep
the banks in a cleanly state.
In dry weather, such as that experienced during the Summer
of 1935, the condition of the river becomes worse, the polluted
material being more concentrated as there is less water to dilute
it.
Certain recommendations for improving the condition of the
River were made in the Report and these were summarised in the
following terms:—
1. The main sources of pollution should be dealt with
at their source by taking appropriate action to enforce the