Teddington water scheme — what evidence would build confidence in river protection?
The Teddington Direct River Abstraction scheme, proposed by Thames Water, would take additional water from the Thames during dry periods while adding advanced-treated recycled water from Mogden to help maintain river flows.
Teddington Direct River Abstraction Project Overview
- Purpose: Additional drought resilience for water supplies.
- Main elements: River abstraction, treatment and connecting pipelines.
- Location: The Teddington and Mogden area, with associated works along the proposed routes.
- Important distinction: The proposal concerns advanced-treated recycled water; describing it as an untreated-sewage discharge would misrepresent the scheme.
Project Status & Local Controversy
The proposals remain in development, with an application expected in early 2027 according to the project team. A supplementary consultation ran in May–June 2026, followed by further targeted changes. Kingston Council’s response raises concerns about construction and local impacts. Changes to earlier worksite proposals mean discussion should use the latest plans rather than assume every original site remains included.
Discussion point: What independent testing, public monitoring and operating safeguards would be needed for residents to trust this approach to drought resilience?
Infrastructure Capacity & Delivery
- Operating rules: When would the scheme run, and what river-flow or treatment conditions would require it to stop?
- Construction planning: How would utility works and pipeline installation be coordinated to limit repeated disruption?
Environmental and Landscape Risks
- River ecology: Which indicators would show whether aquatic life and water quality are being protected during low flows?
- Treatment performance: How will monitoring results, failures and corrective action be communicated in terms the public can understand?
Access and Community Impacts
- Roads and open spaces: Residents need current maps showing temporary occupation, access restrictions and reinstatement plans.
- Alternatives: How does this scheme compare with demand reduction and other supply options on cost, reliability and environmental effects?
Sources & Further Reading
Research checked on 8 October 2026. The highlighted discussion point is an editorial question, not a quotation from a resident.
Linked item location
TW1 1ER