The new Thames Tideway Tunnel has made significant progress in capturing sewage during heavy rainfall, successfully diverting nearly 850,000 tonnes of sewage in a 24-hour period. This system, which combines the 25-kilometer Thames Tideway Tunnel and the 7-kilometer Lee Tunnel, is designed to prevent stormwater and untreated sewage from entering the River Thames, improving the river’s health.
Since October, when the first of 21 connection points was activated, 12 have now gone live, including key locations in Chelsea, Blackfriars, and Westminster. During a storm on November 27, the system captured 848,365 cubic meters of sewage, with the entire network reaching nearly one million tonnes at its peak. The super sewer’s growing capacity is helping to address the historic issue of sewage overflows in London, which have long overwhelmed the city’s aging infrastructure.
Roger Bailey, Chief Technical Officer of Tideway, emphasized that the system is beginning to fulfill its purpose, with more connections expected to further enhance protection for the river. Nevil Muncaster, Thames Water’s Asset Management and Engineering Director, highlighted the system’s importance during storms, preventing wastewater overflows that would have otherwise contaminated the river.
The Thames Tideway Tunnel is a key part of Thames Water’s plan to reduce storm overflows by 95%. The project, which began in 2016, is expected to be fully operational by 2025, with final testing taking place before it is handed over to Thames Water for ongoing management. The successful implementation of the super sewer will bring long-term benefits, improving water quality and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
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