Pollution report on River Medway (1913)

Post date: Apr 25, 2014 4:10:58 PM

Held at Medway Archives, reference S/MN/AC16/8

Summary of Report from Adams & Stansell, Analytical Chemists, The County Laboratories, Maidstone.

Dated 31^st July 1913

To The Upper Medway Conservancy

6 handwritten pages.

Purpose: “to ascertain whether the water is suitable for concrete purposes and also as to the presence of sewerage matters”.

6 samples submitted :

• I. From just below Gas Works, Tonbridge.

• II. From Eldridges Lock, 1 ½ miles below Tonbridge.

• III. Above Stoneham Lock

• IV. Bow Bridge, Wateringbury

• V. Just above Teston

• VI. Just above East Farleigh.

The different geological nature of the various localities noted and that river does not receive any manufacturing refuse, but exposed to pollution from surface drainage from hop gardens, cattle grazing on banks, barge traffic etc. reducing the original standard of purity.

Sample from I. “fairly good river water, showing only moderate amounts of organic matter of no serious consequence or import.”

Samples from II and III almost similar.

“Directly Bow Bridge , Wateringbury No. IV is reached, some undoubted increases occur; the total solids rise, so does the chlorine, both the free and the albuminoid ammonia at once mount up , and the oxygen absorbed in 4 hours too.

Here is where some pollution or drainage is entering the River”.

Evidence of pollution disappears by time river reaches Teston.

“In conclusion, we have formed the opinion that while the Medway may furnish water of a kind scarcely to be recommended, or even allowed , for drinking purposes, yet it is not heavily charged with organic pollution if comparison is made with river water in general.

That there is a certain quantity admitted near Bow Bridge, Wateringbury, the analyses indicate plainly, but it is so speedily lost sight of, even in the short flow to Teston, that we cannot regard its influence in a serious light.

Neither is there anything occurring in these samples that could be expected to affect the setting of cement or the production of concrete; salt water is absent and no evidence is forthcoming of the presence of anything else prejudicial.”