Ep 5. Sewer King

In Seven Wonders of the Industrial World season 1 episode 5, titled "Sewer King," viewers are transported back to 1858 in London, England where the city is facing a major sanitation crisis. The Thames River has become a cesspool of human and animal waste, causing a stench so unbearable that Parliament is forced to shut down due to the extreme odor.

Enter Joseph Bazalgette, a civil engineer tasked with creating a solution to London's sewage problem. Bazalgette's plan is to build a massive sewer system that would divert wastewater away from the Thames and into treatment plants, a seemingly impossible feat at the time.

The episode details the challenges Bazalgette faced in carrying out his plan, including convincing the public and government officials of the necessity for such a project, as well as overcoming intense opposition from homeowners who did not want their properties dug up for the building of the sewers. Bazalgette's persistence and ingenuity ultimately prevail, and the first phase of London's sewer system is completed in 1865.

The episode also highlights the importance of Bazalgette's innovative ideas, as the sewer system drastically improved public health in London and became a model for sanitation systems across the world. Bazalgette's legacy still lives on today, as his sewer system continues to serve the city of London over a century later.

Throughout "Sewer King," viewers are treated to stunning visuals of London's historical architecture and bustling streets, as well as expert commentary from historians and engineers. The episode serves not only as a fascinating look into the creation of one of the world's most impressive engineering feats, but also as a reminder of the importance of investing in public infrastructure and innovation in order to improve public health and quality of life.