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Rivers, Streams and Watercourses
I am indebted to the Essex River Authority for the following
information:—
"In May 1971, a routine survey of the River In grebourne
showed it to be clean throughout its length. The quality of the
river flow below the Nags Head Lane Sewage Disposal Works
of the Brentwood Urban District Council showed some improvement
over recent years. During the year some structural damage
to the tertiary sand filtration system at this works occurred but
alternative methods of treatment of the effluent were available
and no deterioration of effluent quality resulted.
The Beam River was surveyed in September and was found
to be clean in the upper and middle reaches. Below the confluence
of the river with the Wantz Stream at Dagenham the water quality
showed some pollution resulting from urban surface water run-off
and discharges of trade effluent. These matters are being investigated
by the River Authority and the London Borough of Barking
but a considerable time may elapse before all the discharges can
be traced and dealt with.
The intensity of radioactivity and the numbers of bacteria
of sewage origin were checked at key points on both rivers
regularly throughout the year and were found to be at a low and
safe level for surface waters.
The River Authority has been in consultation with industrialists
in the Ferry Lane area of Rain ham to seek reduction of
pollution of minor streams. The most important of these is a
discharge of high ammoniac nitrogen content from a chemical
and metallurgical works and this is expected to cease in early
1972."
Water Supply
I am indebted to Mr. P. Gordon Spencer, B.Eng., C.Eng.,
F.I.C.E., F.I.W.E., M.I.Struct.E., M.ASCE., F.G.S., M.B.I.M.,
Director, General Manager and Engineer-in-Chief of the Essex
Water Company for the following information regarding the water
supply to the Borough:—
The water supply of the whole of your area has been
satisfactory in quality and quantity.
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