Thames Water has initiated the procurement process for tunnelling works essential to the Teddington Direct River Abstraction project, a key component of London’s drought resilience strategy in the UK.
The project aims to provide up to 75 million litres of water daily during drought conditions, complemented by water recycling efforts.
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The UK-based utility company has issued a formal tender to hire tunnelling contractors for the project, following market engagement last year.
The Teddington Direct River Abstraction project is a critical part of Thames Water’s Water Resource Management Plan, which was sanctioned by the national government in 2024.
This plan outlines the company’s strategies to ensure London’s water supply for the next five decades and beyond.
Ofwat, the economic regulator of England and Wales’ water sector, has approved funding for the project under Thames Water’s 2025-2030 business plan.
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By GlobalDataProject construction is expected to commence in 2029, pending planning approval.
According to the tender notice, the contract’s total estimated value stands at £242m ($325.5m), inclusive of VAT.
The company is seeking tunnelling specialists to deliver two key tunnels: a 4.2km route connecting the new Tertiary Treatment Plant to the River Thames, and a smaller diameter pipeline for river abstraction and transfer to the existing Thames Lee Tunnel.
Thames Water head of procurement and supply chain Mohit Farmah said: “We’re seeking industry-leading tunnelling experts to help us deliver this nationally significant infrastructure project, as we work to secure water supply for millions of Londoners.
“The capital city and our customers rely on us for a safe and secure supply of water and this project will be vital as we work to meet the challenges ahead, from a growing population to the effects of climate change, including hotter, drier summers.”
The project will enable Thames Water to increase water abstraction from the River Thames during drought periods, upstream of Teddington Weir.
The abstracted water will be transferred to the Lee Valley reservoirs in East London, where it will be processed into drinking water.
To offset the abstraction, highly treated recycled water from the Mogden sewage treatment works will be released into the River Thames at a new discharge location.
Last month, ACCIONA announced that it would upgrade the Coppermills water treatment facility, which supplies a third of Greater London’s drinking water.
Once completed, the facility will be handed over to Thames Water, further strengthening the capital’s water infrastructure.
