Thames Tideway Tunnel

Background

London’s sewer system needs fixing – sewage frequently overflows into the Rivers Lee and Thames. The Tideway Tunnel would capture these overflows resulting in an improved river water quality.

This is the biggest single sewerage project since privatisation in 1989 and will cost upwards of £2 billion.

The cost will be borne by all Thames Water consumers, not just Londoners. The impact could be softened by spreading improvements out over a long time.

There are worries that costs may escalate due to labour shortages – with Olympic Park and Crossrail projects running at the same time.

The Tideway will have a large carbon footprint, not only from the cement concrete and steel used in building, but will also produce ongoing carbon emissions through pumping of the sewage in the tunnels to sewage treatment works in east London.

Our position

Thames Water customers will pay – there is no planned public subsidy. Evidence is that customers are only prepared to pay around £13, rather than the projected £43. Low-income customers will be hit particularly hard.

It will increase customers’ water bills by an average £43. We do not feel that the potential benefits justify the likely costs of the scheme

What we expect of water and sewerage companies

Thames Water customers should not bear the costs of any separate projects which are aimed solely at improvements for the Olympics in east London in 2012.

The Thames Tideway has national significance. The Government’s decision must be right for consumers and for the water environment: it should not be driven by fear of European Commission proceedings.

Facts and figures

The cost to consumers of this single project approaches that of Thames Water’s entire capital works for the five year period 2005-10. Research shows demand for water in the gateway could increase by 8% or 42m litres per day by 2016.

Karen Gibbs has responsibility for this area – 0207 831 2470

Last updated: 04/01/08