Thames Water has appointed Jacobs and Mott MacDonald to advance the Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) project.
- The TDRA initiative aims to mitigate drought risk in London by restructuring river and water treatment processes.
- A new joint venture will provide crucial technical expertise for this nationally significant water infrastructure.
- If realised, the project will contribute 75 million litres of water daily by 2033.
- This project reflects a strategic response to climate change-induced water scarcity.
In a significant move, Thames Water has appointed the joint venture of Jacobs and Mott MacDonald to spearhead the Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) project. This project is a critical infrastructure programme aimed at alleviating drought conditions in London, a city increasingly vulnerable to water shortages due to climate change.
TDRA focusses on the abstraction of water from the river upstream of Teddington Weir, with the extracted water being channelled into reservoirs via new and existing infrastructures. To compensate for the abstraction, recycled water originating from the Mogden Sewage Treatment Works will be returned to the river through newly established pipelines. This intricate exchange not only optimises water use but also underscores the importance of sustainable water management strategies.
The scheme’s approval for construction could mark its operational debut by 2033, potentially providing up to 75 million litres of water per day during periods of extended dry weather. It falls under Thames Water’s ambitious revisions within the draft Water Resources Management Plan 2024, targeting the dire predictions of a 1 in 200-year drought scenario.
Recognising the project’s vast scope and critical importance, Thames Water forecasts a need for an additional billion litres of water per day by 2050 to meet London’s demands. The TDRA is positioned as a vital component in this broader strategy, reinforcing London’s resilience against future water scarcity.
Thames Water’s procurement and supply chain head Mohit Farmah commented on the project’s national significance, emphasising its extensive impact on both the economy and the environment. Jacobs and Mott MacDonald’s involvement brings to the table vast expertise in the realms of engineering, environmental assessment, and project planning, poised to enhance the project’s efficacy and sustainability.
The joint venture’s participation is seen as pivotal, providing Thames Water access to a robust supply chain imbued with skills essential to navigating the complexities of major infrastructure projects. City planning and land acquisition processes will undoubtedly benefit from the technical prowess this partnership promises.
Further insights were provided by Jacobs’ Senior Vice President, Kate Kenny, who highlighted the transformative potential of utilising reclaimed water as a sustainable resource amidst increasing environmental challenges. Her sentiments align with the global shift towards recognising the intrinsic value of all water forms in securing resource resilience.
Mott MacDonald’s General Manager, Tim Hill, furthered the narrative by noting the comprehensive benefits this project could yield, such as biodiversity enhancements and social gains, alongside bolstered climate resilience. The project not only aims to secure London’s water supply but also supports environmental preservation and improvement.
The TDRA project, with the expertise of Jacobs and Mott MacDonald, exemplifies a strategic adaptation towards sustainable water management amidst escalating climate concerns.
