Is the River Thames sewage water?


Is the River Thames sewage water? The smell of London's sewage can still be smelt today, with sewage still entering the Thames when the system reaches capacity at overflow points along the river, such as at Blackfriars. As the population of London continues to increase, so does the amount of waste and the use of these overflow points.


Why is the Thames so brown?

It's a common misconception that because the Thames is brown and murky, it must be dirty and polluted. But this isn't the case! All estuaries are hugely important for sediment transportation, so the reason the Thames is brown is because of the huge amounts of sediment and mud naturally transported with the daily tides.


Are UK rivers clean enough to swim in?

Sewage spills and agricultural pollution are the leading causes of dirty rivers. And the latest figures are alarming: only 14% of England's rivers are classified as being of 'good' ecological status, according to a government report published in January 2022.


Why is there no oxygen in the Thames river?

The river Thames in London was so starved of oxygen in August 2022, due to sewage and hot weather, that it was effectively on life support, New Scientist can reveal. A specialised boat was used to directly inject the gas into the water for 11 days that month to prevent plants and fish dying.


Are any UK rivers clean?

And the latest figures are alarming: only 14% of England's rivers are classified as being of 'good' ecological status, according to a government report published in January 2022.


What is the cleanest river in Europe?

For the cleanest water in Europe: The Lobau River, Austria Just east of Vienna, the Lobau River runs through the Donau-Auen National Park.