Although by 1854 flush toilets had been installed, an antiquated sewage system allowed human waste to flow down gutters and sewers straight into the Thames ​ — a major source of drinking water.
Meski pada 1854 sudah ada jamban bilas, tinja yang mengalir ke saluran limbah kala itu bisa masuk ke got dan selokan yang langsung menuju Thames ​ — sumber utama air minum.