Pollution in the River Thames UK By Avis Mckinney

In 2015 the legislation of all European Countries is for the purity of water to be a way of life not as is now a futuristic ideal. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a guideline to be followed so that future generations may have a quality of life through purer water and ecosystems. To maintain our wild life and to ensure that the water which we have in abundance remains of good quality and is equally distributed. What is needed is a holistic view point, so that each nation may have sufficient water for their needs, good sanitary conditions and environmental stability.

Largest in England Once a major commercial port Major source of pollution The Thames Path.htm

Accolade: cleanest river in England Awash with untreated sewage H:\BBC News UK A tale of two rivers.htm

Pollution in the Thames Industrial revolution 35,000 die in Cholera outbreaks 1857 Law passed Joseph Bazalgatte build sewers H:\BBC News UK A tale of two rivers.htm

Pollution grew as London grew Sewer damaged through 1940’s war Clean up began 1960 Salmon return 1974 and now 115 species Oxygen replenished after heavy storms 1billion sewage scheme agreed over 5 years

6000,000 tonnes of raw sewage report Guardian news paper. Health warnings to water sport users Environmental agency monitors river “60 overflow events” causing increase in micro organisms.

Over flow causes embankment pollution Olympic games compromised Government delays 22 mile sewage and water tunnel

People made aware of their responsibility toward environment. It should also be pointed out that the Government can no longer take the ostrich principle of sticking their heads in the sand and hoping the problem will go away. The course of action should be that if the directive is not fulfilled a heavy fine should be incurred. The western world has a responsibility to set an example for other nations to follow. As we would say “First clean up your own back garden before pointing the finger at others”.

Anon 2005 The Thames Path.htm [online] Accessed 15/02/05 Guardian The river Thames: a poisoned, polluted problem [online] H:\Guardian Unlimited Special reports The river Thames a poisoned, polluted problem.htm. Accessed 15/02/05 BBC. 20/04/2001. A tale of two rivers. [online] H:\BBC News UK A tale of two rivers.htm Accessed 15/02/05 Anon 2005 The Thames Path.htm [online] Accessed 15/02/05