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SEWAGE

The true cost of modern water management

Regarding Peter Broughton’s letter on sewerage in the August edition of NCE, yes, major upgrades are needed and the politicians do have to admit the issue lies not with the water companies but in the lack of knowledge and expertise of our Victorian forebears. During that era, the combined sewer was invented to flush the foul material along the newly laid pipelines (sewers) where the concept of self-cleansing velocity was unknown.

That was fine at the time, as most sewers discharged into a nearby river or the sea – much better than overflowing cesspits!

Yes, engineers need to be fully involved up front to resolve this matter but it is going to cost us, the users, a lot of money which should be “at cost” work with no profit to the water companies.

Perhaps the highway authorities could be involved, as much of the surface water comes from the roads.

Whatever is agreed, it has to be comprehensive and carried out as cheaply and as soon as possible.

Fred Caws (M) fred@goodcaws.org.uk

The Editor, New Civil Engineer,
​4th Floor, Harmsworth House, 13-15 Bouverie Street, London EC4Y 8DP
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