THAMES Valley’s public water body has laid out extensive plans to protect the environment, reduce sewer flooding, and tackle storm discharges.
Thames Water has published the Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP), a 25-year strategy which looks to reinforce its infrastructure and management practises to create resilient, sustainable operations, and minimise long-term risks posed by climate change and a growing population.
It follows extensive public consultation and contributions from customers and key stakeholders as water companies come under increasing scrutiny for sewage discharge and environmental impact.
In total,1,400 customer households, 450 non-household customers, 70 local authorities, 50 organisations, the Environment Agency, and numerous environmental groups contributed to the proposals.
Thames Water estimates that just under £32 billion of investment will be required in the next 25 years to overcome what it calls “societal” changes, with £10.9 billion earmarked for tackling storm overflows.
It also says that plans for the Thames Valley will take an approach focusing on removing “unwanted flow,” as it aims to improve the health of rivers and waterways and their ecosystems.
These plans will run alongside the company’s sewer treatment improvement works, which will see £1.6 billion of investment into the modernisation of sewage infrastructure in more than 250 locations over the next two years.
The DWMP also sees proposals for eco-friendly water management in London which include natural methods of water collection and fostering more natural, green spaces in the capital.
The plans will see regular revisions, with Thames Water committing to updates of the plan every five years.
Sarah Bentley, Thames Water CEO said: “To protect against the challenges ahead of us, from climate change and population growth, we need to work together to provide a resilient and sustainable wastewater service for the next 25 years and beyond.
“We’ve listened closely to our customers and today we’ve set out our collective vision for creating a more sustainable and green solutions-based approach to drainage and wastewater, while providing greater access to our sites and green spaces.
“We’re committed to delivering positive outcomes for our customers, the communities we serve and the natural environment across our region.”
She explained that this would range from creating more “spongy and green spaces” to help prevent flooding in people’s homes, as well as taking action to stop rainwater getting into the sewers, which can cause flooding and overflow.
“However, there are no quick fixes,” she explained: “This plan is the start of our journey to ensure we have systems which are fit for the future.
“Working collaboratively with our partners will make a big difference to wastewater activities for future generations and our precious environment.”
Full details of the Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan are available online via: thameswater.co.uk/about-us/regulation/drainage-and-wastewater-management
You can also view an introduction the the plans given by Tessa Fayres, Thames Water’s director of Wastewater Operations in London, via the company’s YouTube channel.
