We are operating the West Berkshire Ground Water Scheme

We are operating the West Berkshire Ground Water Scheme to protect public water supplies. Thames Water has asked us to operate the scheme, as they have seen large increases in water demand from their customers through the summer and rapid storage loss in their West London supply reservoirs.

The pumping scheme is used to add groundwater into the River Thames via some of its tributaries during periods of drought. This water is then abstracted by Thames Water further downstream in the lower River Thames to become part of the public water supply for London.

This scheme was specifically designed for drought conditions and has been available for decades as part of the region's long-term water resilience planning. We are taking a phased and carefully managed approach to operating the scheme, by continually reviewing conditions and adapting our response as the drought develops to ensure the scheme is operated responsibly and effectively.

You can find further information on the scheme here FAQs - West Berkshire Ground Water Scheme