We are committed to cleaning up the tidal River Thames.

We are making improvements to our five sewage treatment works along the tidal stretch of the river. This will significantly reduce the chance of sewage entering this section of the Thames.

We are currently trialling an email notification system to let rowers and other water users know when Mogden Sewage treatment Works is discharging any sewage which has not been fully treated into the tidal River Thames.

If you would like to receive updates relating to Mogden, please read and agree to the terms of use outlined in the form below.

• Water quality, and health and safety information

  • Advice note from Port of London Health Authority

    There is an increased risk to the health of recreational river users following storm sewage discharges into the River Thames. Sewage discharges occur when the combined sewerage system is unable to cope with high water flow caused by heavy rainfall. The increased risk to health can last between two to four days following such an event.

    In order to minimise the risk to health, river users should be aware of the possibility of contracting infections from the water. Health risks can be minimised by taking the following general hygiene precautions:

    • Try not to swallow any water should you fall into the river and never drink the river water.
    • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water after using the river, particularly before eating or drinking.
    • Avoid immersion in, or contact with, the water and always shower after contact.
    • Anyone who develops diarrhoea and/or vomiting after contact with contaminated water should seek medical advice.
    • Keep any open cuts, sores or abrasions clean and cover with waterproof plasters.
    • Do not splash river water on to your face or body in order to cool down.
    • Information from the Environment Agency
    • The Environment Agency is responsible for monitoring the water quality of the tidal Thames and regulating discharges into it. Over the past few decades there have been great improvements in water quality due mainly to better regulation, investment in improved sewage treatment and fewer industrial inputs. We have found this is reflected in a greater biodiversity of the river and an increasing number of fish species found in our surveys.
    • Despite improvements in water quality, problems still remain which we are working with Thames Water to overcome. These include sewage discharges to the River Thames from combined sewer overflows and from sewage treatment work (STW) storm tanks during rainfall. Whilst undesirable, these discharges are permitted, as they prevent the overload of the sewage treatment works or sewer network which might result in sewage backing up into the streets or people's homes.
    • The solution to these discharges will be delivered in two ways:
    • Through an increase in the capacity of the River Thames tideway sewage treatment works, such as Mogden STW, to significantly reduce the number of storm tank discharges.
    • By the construction of the Thames and Lee Tunnels which will intercept the problem combined sewer overflows to the River Thames and River Lee and transfer the sewage to Beckton STW for treatment.

    More information about water quality in the Thames Tideway is available on the Environment Agency's website.

    Environment Agency website - State of London's Environment Report

• Find out what information you need to complete this form

  • To complete this form you will need to:

    Provide your full name, contact number, email address and contact address

    Confirm you have read, understood and accept our terms and conditions