Wednesday 25 July saw 20 intrepid surveyors descend into the depths of Brighton's Victorian sewers with a Sewer Tour arranged by Oliver St.John of RICS matrics Sussex through the RICS Sussex Local Association.
The tour was a lot cleaner and less smelly than we expected - sadly not one rat was seen but they were there apparently which is why we all had to wear latex gloves!
Southern Water's team of friendly and knowledgeable guides talked us through the history of Brighton's sewers.
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The history started from when the sewers discharged straight onto the beach (up to the 1800s) through to the construction of a system so good that it has survived over a hundred years and copes with the increased use as Brighton and Hove has expanded into the the city it is today. |
We were taken to the lower parts that were tidal (barnacles were still visible on the walls) and shown the egg shaped bores (the pointy down makes them fast flowing and self-cleaning).
The External website link on this page provides a history of the system.
They include details about Europe's largest stormwater storage tunnel - dug by the same machines that dug the Channel Tunnel - which is 4.8km (3 miles) long, 6m (20ft) in diameter and 30m (100ft) under the seafront at Brighton and Hove.
This storage tunnel is designed to stop pollution during storm conditions.
Find out more about RICS matrics Sussex at www.rics.org/matricssussex.
