Recent storms force sewage in to The Thames

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Thames Water send in the "Bubblers" to improve oxygen levels

The River Thames has been flooded with more than a million tonnes of sewage in London during the recent heavy rain. Concerns have been voiced for the fish as oxygen levels in the water drop.

Last year sewage dumping in the Thames saw a catastrophic loss of life in the river.

A spokesperson for Thames Water said, "The exceptionally heavy rainfall of the last few days has filled London's sewers to capacity. Rather than letting sewage flood people's homes, the sewage system allows the excess to enter the River Thames in dilute form.

"We accept that this can't be sustained in the long-term, and have worked closely with the Environment Agency to identify solutions, which have been submitted to Government.

"Defra has short-listed two options, both of which involve building a tunnel under the Thames. We're carrying out further studies at Defra's request to ensure they have the detail they need to make a final decision.

To deal with the immediate problem we have two specially-commissioned 'bubbler' boats which inject oxygen into the river to minimise the impact on the environment."

One of the "Bubbler" Boats injecting oxygen into the Thames                                         

 

September 22, 2006