London, one of the most iconic cities in the world, is known for its rich history and culture. But did you know that it was once infamous for its lack of proper sanitation?
In fact, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that London got its first sewage system. Let’s take a look at how this came to be.
The State of Sanitation in Early London
In the early 19th century, London’s population was rapidly growing, and with it came an increase in waste and sewage. However, there was no proper system in place to deal with this waste. The River Thames, which flowed through the city, became heavily polluted with human waste and other garbage.
This led to a number of health problems for Londoners. Diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever were rampant, causing a high mortality rate. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that people began to realize the importance of having a proper sanitation system.
The Great Stink
The catalyst for change came in 1858 when London experienced what was known as “The Great Stink.” The hot summer weather caused the River Thames to emit a foul smell that permeated throughout the city. This led to widespread outrage among citizens and spurred action from lawmakers.
Joseph Bazalgette’s Solution
Enter Joseph Bazalgette, a civil engineer who was tasked with designing a new sewage system for London. His solution involved building underground sewers that would transport waste away from the city and into treatment plants outside of London.
Bazalgette’s plan was met with resistance from some politicians who were concerned about the cost of such an undertaking. However, after much debate and lobbying from Bazalgette himself, construction on the new sewage system began in 1859.
Completion of the Sewage System
It took eight years to complete the sewage system, but when it was finished in 1867, it was considered a marvel of engineering. The system consisted of over 1,100 miles of underground sewers and more than 80 miles of intercepting sewers. This allowed for waste to be transported away from the city and treated properly.
The impact of the new sewage system was immediate. The River Thames became cleaner, and the incidence of diseases like cholera decreased significantly. Londoners could breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their waste was no longer just flowing into the river.
Conclusion
In conclusion, London’s first sewage system was built in response to a growing sanitation crisis in the mid-19th century. It took years of planning and construction, but when it was completed in 1867, it marked a turning point for the city’s health and cleanliness. Today, London’s sewage system is one of the most advanced in the world and serves as an example of how proper sanitation infrastructure can have a positive impact on public health.