…By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
While initial evidence points to low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, the situation underscores the potential environmental impacts of climate change and urban pollution.
David Ogle, a local resident, reported witnessing “dozens” of dead fish in a specific area south of Lea Bridge, raising concerns about the frequency of such incidents.
We need systemic solutions, not ‘sticking plasters’. pic.twitter.com/yMHgD9rN7Z
— London Waterkeeper (@LDNWaterkeeper) June 22, 2023
Impact of Urbanization: River Health Under Threat
Thomas further asserts that the River Lea is continually threatened each summer due to the runoff of “industrial amounts” of pollution from the roads.
He expresses concern over London’s extensive paving, which prevents the natural filtration and slowdown of runoff water.
Other factors such as high nutrient levels, possibly linked to effluent release from Deephams Sewage Works in Edmonton, leading to excessive growth of green duckweed, further exacerbate the situation.