Local resident-led project

Sick of the sewage smell?

Report sewage or foul odours in Upton Park, East Ham, Canning Town and surrounding areas.

I’m collecting timestamped reports so smell incidents can be mapped by precise location, time, weather and wind direction — rather than dismissed as isolated anecdotes.

1When did you notice it? *

This makes sure the report is matched to the correct weather conditions.

Right now Use the current date and time. Earlier Choose when the smell happened.

Date

Approximate time

2Where was the smell? *

Give the location of the smell — not necessarily your home address.

I’m at the location now Use this phone or computer’s current location. I’m reporting somewhere else or an earlier incident Search for a place or choose it on a map.

Your browser will ask permission. Exact coordinates are stored privately; the public map uses blurred or grouped data.

Search postcode, street or landmark

Search for a place or tap the map to place the smell location.

3How bad was it? *

1 = faint5 = unbearable / cannot open windows

4What did it smell like? *

Choose everything that applies.

Sewage / human waste Rotten eggs / sulphur Chemical Rubbish / bins Drain / stagnant water Other

5Where were you when you noticed it? *

This describes the setting, rather than the point on the map.

At home Garden or balcony Outside or street Walking or cycling on the Greenway Near a station or commuting Somewhere else

6Did it affect you?

Optional. Tick everything that applies.

Had to close windows Could smell it indoors Could not use garden or balcony Interrupted a walk or cycle Woke me up Made me feel nauseous or unwell Affected children or family Other

Comment (optional)

Please do not include names, phone numbers or other personal details.

Email (optional)

Already joined the contact list? Leave this blank on later reports.

I’m happy to be contacted about this local campaign Your email is only saved when this box is ticked.

No account is required. Exact incident coordinates are kept private. Public maps use clustered, blurred or aggregated data.

Before you submit

Review your report

Live summary

When: Not selected
Smell location: Not selected
Intensity: Not selected
Smell type: Not selected
Setting: Not selected
Impact: None selected

The local temperature, wind speed and wind direction will be added automatically.

Why am I collecting this?

Residents across East Ham, Plaistow, Upton Park, Beckton, Canning Town and surrounding areas have reported recurring foul odours for years. Some describe the smell entering their homes, disturbing their sleep or affecting journeys along the Greenway.

The source has not been established. Possibilities discussed locally include Beckton Sewage Treatment Works, sewer vents along the Greenway, Abbey Mills and other wastewater infrastructure. This project is intended to build a consistent, data-based picture of when and where the smell occurs.

By recording the time, precise location, intensity and weather conditions associated with each report, I can look for recurring patterns and share the findings with Newham Council, Thames Water, regulators and media.

What I plan to do with the data

Publish an anonymised heatmap showing where reports are concentrated.
Analyse common times, including early mornings, evenings and hot days.
Compare severe reports with wind direction, wind speed and temperature.
Identify recurring hotspots and conditions.
Use the evidence to press for investigation and action.

View the public smell map →

Join the local WhatsApp group

Join residents who want updates, want to help with leaflets, or want to support the campaign.

WhatsApp group link coming soon

FAQ

Do I need an account?

No. There is no login. Submit a separate report whenever the smell happens.

Why ask for a precise location?

The report needs the location of the smell, which may not be your home. GPS, postcode search and a movable map pin help record the correct place.

Will exact coordinates be public?

No. Exact coordinates are stored privately for analysis. The public heatmap uses rounded and aggregated locations.

Can I report an earlier incident?

Yes. Select “Earlier” and provide the approximate date and time so the report can be matched to historical weather.

Do I have to provide an email?

No. Email and contact consent are optional. If you have already joined the contact list, leave the email blank on future reports.

Are you saying Beckton is definitely the source?

No. The purpose is to collect enough consistent evidence to investigate possible sources properly.

Sick of the sewage smell?

Review your report

Why am I collecting this?

Local reports and background

What I plan to do with the data

Join the local WhatsApp group

FAQ