Messing about in the mess of the River Lee

River Lee

The River Lee flows directly into the site that will be the Olympic Village.

But is it a jewel in the crown of our future success or an ugly swamp?

David Akinsanya went to investigate what lies under the murky surface of one of the capital's most important waterways.

He investigates what has gone wrong.

Stinking beauty?

David Akinsanya was first attracted to the River Lee because of its tranquillity and beauty.

He's moored his boat there for the last three years.

But since then, things have changed as David explains:

"Now the River Lee quite literally stinks!

"The water has got murky, the air seems stale and I'm not the only one that's noticed the change."

Something nasty in the air - the smell of water pollution

Other boaters who have set up home on or by the river speak of suspicious muck on the water surface.

They also tell tales of locals using the waterway as a rubbish dump, and filth so dense that boats and canoes get stuck.

But it's not just boat owners that should be concerned about the Lee.

The condition of the waterway is vital to all Londoners - its waters will flow directly into the Olympic village in 2012.

Raw sewage

David was convinced that something suspicious is causing the river to be in such a poor state so he decided to investigate.

He sent a sample of the water to a microbiologist and met up with an ecologist from British Waterways.

Public health hazard? Loo water is flushed into the River Lee

The research revealed something rather disturbing.

The problem with the river is raw human sewage.

It's a problem mainly being caused by the ever-growing craze for DIY home improvements.

Dodgy builders are getting the plumbing used for rain water and toilet waste mixed up.

So instead of loo water going to be treated, it is being flushed straight into the river!

Communal lavatory

The investigation became even more disgusting when David looked at the bigger picture.

The sewage works at Deepham, three miles up river, releases treated effluence into the Lea when heavy rain pushes the tanks over capacity.

A disgusting sight - the River Lee full of rubbish and raw sewage

David is horrified by the findings:

"Basically this waterway is becoming a communal lavatory and I'm living on it!

"I'm worried not just for myself but for other people.

"I see canoeists and swimmers on this river, and I'm sure there must be a health hazard."

But there is hope on the horizon - the Environment Agency and British Waterways have just sent a report to the Government recommending the Lee be cleaned up and regenerated in time for the Olympics.

But David remains concerned:

"Let's hope that happens otherwise 2012 may be remembered for a river that's full of filth!"

Links relating to this story:

• BBC Health - Healthy Living
• British Waterways
• Environment Agency
• River Lee

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