Story perspectives

London sewage overhaul urged after weeks of foul storm-drain smell

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prof Barbara Evans, Leeds University chair, called for an overhaul of London’s sewage system after foul odor in summer 2026 and urged separating grey from black water in designs, citing Sweden and Germany and saying methane risk is tiny.
Simon Birkett, Clean Air London director, reported a foul smell around stormwater drains for weeks.
Prof Clarke, University of Reading microbiology professor, said heat speeds bacteria, making the sewer release gas.

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Story summary

Prof Barbara Evans, Leeds University chair, called for an overhaul of London’s sewage system after foul odor in summer 2026 and urged separating grey from black water in designs, citing Sweden and Germany and saying methane risk is tiny.
Simon Birkett, Clean Air London director, reported a foul smell around stormwater drains for weeks.
Prof Clarke, University of Reading microbiology professor, said heat speeds bacteria, making the sewer release gas.