A major utility company has proposed a high-volume water extraction plan from the River Thames, diverting tens of millions of litres daily and replacing it with treated effluent—a move critics warn could worsen pollution. Preliminary tests during pilot phases of the scheme revealed spikes in a persistent "forever chemical" to 13 times the legal limit, contradicting the company’s earlier assurances that the recycled water would pose no environmental harm. The controversial project, costing millions, would inject treated sewage into the river during drought conditions, raising concerns about long-term ecological impacts. Environmentalists and regulators will closely scrutinize whether the scheme can balance water supply needs with river health.
Exclusive: utility company wants to draw off tens of millions of litres of water a day from Thames and replace it with treated effluentLevels of a toxic “forever chemical” rose to 13 times the legal limit during Thames Water pilots for a controversial multimillion pound water recycling scheme that will pump millions of litres of treated sewage into the River Thames during drought.The data from the pilots is in stark contrast to public comments from Thames Water that their water recycling project in south-west London will not harm the riverine environment. Continue reading...
