New laser scans reveal that a huge accumulation of wet wipes, the equivalent of two tennis courts, has been found along Hammersmith’s River Thames.
As part of its work to create a new super sewer, River charity Thames21 took sonar and laser scans from the Thames in West London.
These scans reveal how the mound of wet wipes has grown to over one metre high on the bank next to Hammersmith Bridge during the last six years.
Debbie Leach is CEO at Thames21.
“We fully support the elimination of plastic from wet wipes, and look forward the day when this pollution is gone.”
According to new laser scans, a large mound of wet wiss collected in Hammersmith along the River Thames has the same size as two tennis courts.
Most wet wipes made from plastic are large and sticky. They bind to natural sediments when they reach the Thames.
Most wet wipes made from plastic are large and sticky. They bind to natural sediments when they reach the Thames.
Thames21 took high-resolution laser scans and sonar images of west London’s riverbed to determine the size of these mounds.
One-meter tall, the mound was larger than a tennis court.
Thames Water’s operations manager Anna Boyles said that although we understand many families are happy with the convenience of wipes, most are plastic and take hundreds to break down. It is similar to flushing plastic bags down the toilet.
“Flushable” is a marketing term for some wipes.
They will eventually disappear from the U-bend. However, they are not going to be gone forever and can clog your pipes or cause flooding.
“We are trying to get manufacturers to label products properly and to eliminate plastic packaging from wipes.
Please use standard wet wipes.
Tideway is currently constructing a 15.5 miles-long (25km) super sewer beneath the river. This project is scheduled to be complete by 2025.
John Sage from Tideway is the head of corporate Responsibility. He stated: “Once completed, the super sewer captures more than 95% sewage overflows into River Thames.
Thames21 took high-resolution laser scans and sonar images of west London’s riverbed to determine the size of these mounds.
“This will assist in reducing the amount of litter from sewage that is deposited into the rivers. However, it does not eliminate the need for us all to properly dispose of our trash.
Team hopes scans will inspire people to stop using plastic wet wipes and make sure they’re not flushed down the bathroom.
Robin Mortimer (chief executive of Port of London Authority) said: “Tackling needless pollution of river must be a priority of everyone who cares for its future.
Team hopes scans will help people avoid using plastic wet wipes and make sure they’re not flushed down their toilets.
Recent research also revealed that wet wipes are the most commonly found item in the Thames. Although plastic-stemmed cotton buds were still found in the Thames, they were less common after the ban by government officials was implemented in 2019.
‘The Thames Tideway Tunnel will be a major boost to the health of the capital’s waterway, but everyone can play their part right now, by avoiding plastic wet wipes and ensuring that they flush only the three ps – pee, poo and paper.’
It comes just after scientists completed the first ‘healthcheck’ on the River Thames since its declaration of biological death more than 60-years ago.
The results of an assessment by Zoological Society of London, (ZSL) revealed some unexpected species that live in the river, including seahorses and eels.
The River Thames is also home to various species of shark, such as tope, starry smooth hound and spurdog.
Despite the abundance of wildlife, the new results also reveal climate change has caused a 0.34°F (0.19°C) summer temperature rise in the Thames since 2007, as well as a water level increase.
The report also found that wet wipes were ‘overwhelmingly the most common item found’ in the Thames.
Plastic-stemmed cotton buds were also available, but they were not found as often after the ban by the government was implemented in 2019.
The report states that many products, including plastic ones, “physically alter the Thames foreshore by creating large mounds sediment tightly bound together.”
What are fatbergs?
Fatbergs can be blockages caused by flushed oil, fat, grease, and other wastes such as wet wipes or illegal drugs.
These slabs are concrete-like and form under almost all UK cities. They grow larger each flush.
Also, they can block the passage of sewerage into houses by blocking drains.
One of the largest ever found in Britain was a monster measuring 750m (2,460ft). It was discovered under London’s South Bank in 2017. (pictured)
These can reach up to a metre in height and grow hundreds of meters long. Last year, water companies declared an epidemic of fatberg emergencies across 23 UK cities. This caused a huge financial loss of millions of pounds.
The biggest ever discovered in the UK was a 750-metre (2,460ft) monster found under London’s South Bank in 2017.
The formation of fatbergs can take several weeks. They are caused by people putting things down the toilet or sink.