Because of the efforts of successive generations of engineers, legislators and educators our water is now safe to drink and our rivers largely pollution free.

It wasn’t always like that! Prior to the mid-19th century and the setting up of the Metropolitan Board of Works with its Chief Engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette, thousands of people died through drinking contaminated water and raw sewage ran down the streets of London and other large cities.

Thankfully because of various acts of parliament, local authorities, water authorities, and now water companies have transformed the quality of our drinking water and the purity of our rivers.

Brian’s started his career in the water industry with the Great London Council in 1965 working on schemes E & F for the reconstruction of Abbey Mills Pumping Station and career has spanned the second half of this transformation.

Using examples from his own experience and some anecdotes he will give a brief history of the part played by engineers in bringing about this transformation