Where Does the Sewage Go in London?

By Alice Nichols

London is a bustling city with a population of over 8 million people. With such a large number of people, comes the need for an efficient sewage system.

Have you ever wondered where the sewage goes in London? Let’s take a closer look.

What is sewage?

Sewage refers to wastewater that comes from households, businesses, and industries. It contains everything that goes down the drain such as human waste, food scraps, oils, chemicals, and more.

The London Sewage System

The London sewage system is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the mid-19th century. The system was designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette after a cholera outbreak in 1854 that killed over 10,000 people. The system consists of two main components: sewers and treatment plants.

Sewers

The sewers in London are vast and complex. They are made up of over 13,000 miles of pipes that run under the city streets. These pipes transport sewage from homes and businesses to treatment plants.

Treatment Plants

There are several treatment plants throughout London that process the sewage before it is discharged into the River Thames. The largest treatment plant is located in Beckton and can treat up to 1 million cubic meters of sewage per day.

The Treatment Process

The treatment process begins with screening out any large objects such as sticks or plastic bags that may have made their way into the sewer system. After screening, the sewage is treated with chemicals to remove any pollutants such as oils or chemicals.

Primary Treatment

During primary treatment, solid particles are settled out using gravity and removed from the wastewater as sludge. This sludge is then treated separately to produce biosolids which can be used as fertilizers for agriculture.

Secondary Treatment

After primary treatment, the wastewater is transferred to aeration tanks where bacteria are added to break down organic matter. This process helps to further purify the water before it is disinfected with chemicals and discharged into the River Thames.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sewage system in London is an impressive feat of engineering that ensures the safe disposal of wastewater from millions of people. With proper treatment and disposal, London’s sewage system helps to protect public health and the environment.