Contaminated Lee Navigation

Published: Wednesday, 24 March 2010

IT HAS now been revealed that around 100 people reported feeling ill to Thames Water after the contamination of the Lee Navigation in north-east London last month.

Chemicals had entered the waterway at the utility company's own sewage treatment works at Rye Meads on the waterway, causing the sickness and complaints from boaters about the smell of the water. The photographs shows part of the bird sanctuary at Rye Meads

The water supply too was affected having been contaminated with the chemicals 2-EDD and 2-EMD.

Investigated

The contamination is being investigated by theĀ  regulator, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and any conviction would carry a fine.

This was not the first the first time these two chemicals have found their way into drinking water in England, for in 1994 the same thing happened with Severn Trent, with the company being fined.