East London’s Water Supply gets a £20m boost from Thames Water in new project

Londoners in the East End can expect a more secure water supply thanks to a £20 million investment by Thames Water. The project targets ageing water mains pipes in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, aiming to reduce leaks and safeguard the capital’s vital resource.

Starting this week outside Mile End tube station, engineers will begin a phased upgrade replacing over 1,300 metres of Victorian-era pipes with modern equivalents. This crucial work on Mile End Road and nearby Burdett Road is expected to continue until 2026.

“It’s vital that we continue to upgrade our leakiest water pipes across the capital, and our multi-million-pound upgrade at Mile End Road will help us do just that,” said Martin Padley, London Water Director for Thames Water.

“With London’s population expected to reach 12 million by 2050, and the UK facing more extreme weather events, we need to act now to protect this precious resource and keep the taps running for Londoners,” Padley added.

The project goes beyond simply replacing pipes. Thames Water is also committed to tackling hidden leaks before they become a problem. This includes utilising cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to pinpoint leak size and location. Additionally, the company is rolling out 33,000 smart meters across London, allowing for near-real-time leak detection on customer properties.

Residents in the affected areas can find detailed information about the project timeline, road closures, and impacted bus routes on the Thames Water website.

This significant investment underscores Thames Water’s dedication to modernising London’s water infrastructure and ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations of East Londoners.