Thames Water has launched procurement for tunnelling and connection works required to deliver its nationally significant Teddington Direct River Abstraction project, a critical step in securing long-term water resilience for London.
With the capital facing a projected shortfall of 1 billion litres of water per day by 2050, the UK’s largest water utility is advancing plans for this vital drought mitigation scheme. Once operational, the project will provide up to 75 million litres of water per day during times of drought, supported by advanced water recycling technologies.
The scheme forms a key component of Thames Water’s Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), which sets out strategic water security objectives through to 2075. Funding has been approved under the utility’s 2025–2030 business plan, with construction expected to begin in 2029, subject to planning consent.
Following a year of market engagement, Thames Water has now issued a tender notice for the tunnelling and connection works, which will include:
- A 4.2km tunnel connecting a new tertiary treatment plant (for recycled water) to the River Thames, upstream of Teddington Weir, constructed using tunnel boring methods.
- A pipe-jacked connection tunnel (up to 2.2m ID) linking the river abstraction point — located approximately 175m upstream of the proposed outfall — to the existing Thames Lee Tunnel.
“We’re seeking industry-leading tunnelling experts to help us deliver this nationally significant infrastructure project,” said Mohit Farmah, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain at Thames Water.
“The capital and our customers rely on us for a safe and secure supply of water, and this project is vital as we face the twin challenges of population growth and climate change.”
