London sewerage system
The London sewerage system was one of the largest and most important urban development projects in Europe in the 19th century.
Background
Since the 1840s occurred in London on repeated large epidemics of cholera, which claimed many victims. At that time you did not realize that cholera was caused by contaminated groundwater in the urban area, which has been contaminated due to numerous septic tanks. Instead, most experts blamed the so-called miasma that. One of the few critics was the English physician John Snow. He found in 1854 by meticulous observation and recording of cases of illness out how and by which the cholera was spread, but he found those responsible no hearing. At this time Joseph Bazalgette was already a member of the Municipal Wastewater Commission Metropolitan Commission of Sewers (see Metropolitan Board of Works ) and was planning a new sewer system. It should be the Thames, in which, a large proportion of the waste water discharge, and thus settle the "bad smells " as the alleged cause of epidemics from the city.
Construction
Having gone through several cholera epidemics than 30,000 inhabitants had died, Joseph Bazalgette was appointed in 1856 to the chief engineer of the Metropolitan Board of Works, supported by his colleagues Isambard Kingdom Brunel. His plan was to build a 100 -km-long canal network to derive the yearly more than 140 billion liters of waste water east of London. For this he developed the egg profile still used today, proven.
The start of construction was delayed again and again due to financial concerns. It was only when in 1858 the Great stench hit the city and Parliament members fled to not, as was believed at the time to push through miasms ( poisonous exhalations ), the construction of a sewer system were adopted and provided 3 million pounds for it.
The construction was difficult. Again and again the wells of the then already existing London Underground were affected, leading to collapse or water leakage. The majority of the channels was not built by underground tunneling, but it was first a ditch dug, in which then the masonry was set. Then the finished canal was again covered with earth. During the construction period there were repeated strikes, placing a heavy burden on the budget. In addition, part of the route led past a military training area of the royal artillerymen, and it came to shelling over again.
Current situation
As before, the buildings Bazalgettes are the most important part of the London sewer system. The solid construction and advanced design ensure the functioning for 150 years. Especially in the 20th century were repeatedly postponed and renewed channels by the subway construction. In addition, the discharge of wastewater was transferred to the River Thames in East London and instead built sewage treatment plants on both sides of the river.