The Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) project, undertaken by Thames Water, has sparked significant debate among London communities.
As a vital drought resilience initiative, the project aims to abstract millions of litres of water from the River Thames and pump treated sewage back into it. However, the proposal has garnered both support and opposition, underscoring the complexity of balancing environmental needs with urban water demands.
Thames Water has initiated a statutory consultation period from June 17 to August 26, 2025, inviting feedback from communities, customers, and stakeholders. This consultation is crucial for shaping the project to ensure it meets the needs of London while addressing environmental concerns. The consultation materials, available on the dedicated TDRA page, provide detailed insights into the project’s scope and objectives.
Proponents of the TDRA project argue that it is essential for enhancing London’s drought resilience. Working with Water Resources Southeast (WRSE), Thames Water has identified the project as a key solution to protect the city from prolonged periods of dry weather. The TDRA could provide up to 75 million litres of water daily during such periods, ensuring a stable water supply. Additionally, the project includes a “maintenance flow” to keep the treatment facility operational throughout the year.
Despite its potential benefits, the TDRA project faces significant opposition. Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, expressed concerns in a letter to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Steve Reed OBE MP. She stated, “Thames Water contends that the TDRA is ‘necessary’ for drought resilience reasons. However, we contend that Thames Water has so far failed to make the case that the Teddington proposal is the right proposal to achieve this objective.” Wilson highlighted the need for a thorough assessment of environmental, construction, and social impacts, suggesting that more viable alternatives exist.
The community campaign group Save Our Lands and River (SOLAR) also opposes the project, citing potential damage to homes, woodlands, and open spaces. They argue that the project’s environmental impact has not been fully assessed and that Thames Water’s claim of the TDRA being the “best value” option remains unproven.
Opponents propose several alternatives to the TDRA project, including fixing leaks, which could save 624 million litres of water lost daily due to leaky pipes. Other suggestions include stopping the export of water from London, accelerating the rollout of smart meters, improving demand management, and utilising existing reservoirs more efficiently. Building new reservoirs and using advanced sewage treatment processes are also considered viable options.
The TDRA project represents a significant step in addressing London’s water challenges, but it also underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation and community engagement. As the consultation period progresses, all stakeholders must voice their opinions and contribute to a solution that balances urban water needs with environmental preservation.
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