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 1901

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hackney]

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Table: Analysis of River Lea Water, made during the year 1901, byLeo Taylor, F.I.C.,Public Analyst.

Analysis of River Lea Water, made during the year 1901, byLeo Taylor, F.I.C.,Public Analyst.

Date.Where taken.Total solid residueFree Ammonia.Organic Ammonia.Chlorine.Nitrates.Nitrites.Oxygen required to oxidize the organic matter in 4 hours.Suspend'd matter.Dissolved Organic Matters.Remarks.
May 20Stream adjoining White Hart public-house68.3 grains per gallon.3.733 grains per gallon..616 grains per gallon.7.4 grains per gallon.Traces.Very slight traces.2.170 grains per gallon.13.3 grains per gallon.11.6 grains per gallon.The sample was free from sulphuretted hydrogen, but it possessed a strong sewage odour, and contained a very foul black sediment, which rapidly subsided.
May 20Waltham stow and Leyton Sewage Farm outlet before entering River Lee.87.42.986.5046.2Slight Traces.Very slight traces.2.74434.712 5The sample yielded slight traces of sulphuretted hydrogen, and possessed a strong sewage odour. There was also a large amount of black mud present.