Why Is Putting Raw Sewage Into A River A Bad Idea?

For several reasons. There is a long term problem of health – raw sewage can spread disease and anyone using the river would run the risk of catching infections from the water. In the 19th century, diseases like cholera spread through overcrowded towns and cities because of river water and drinking water supplies that were contaminated by raw sewage.

The immediate problem, however, is to the fish and other aquatic organisms living in the river. When raw sewage enters fresh water it reduces the oxygen levels in the water, sometimes to almost zero. This means that the fish and other animals can't get any oxygen out of the water and they literally suffocate.

On the 4th August 2004, 100 000 fish were accidentally killed when raw sewage was washed into the River Thames. This was the worst pollution incident of this type for almost 10 years.

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