London’s New Super Sewer: Everything You Need To Know
As trusted drainage experts, we’re always keeping one eye on the latest news in drainage and sewers here at Power Rod. And one of the biggest stories right now is the new London super sewer – or the Thames Tideway Tunnel, to give it the proper name.
With its completion due as we move into 2025, we wanted to share with you what this super sewer is, how it works and why it’s relevant for our clients in the Home Counties.
What is London’s new super sewer?
Back in 2014, planning was approved for a new super sewer. The project, officially named the Thames Tideway Tunnel, is a 16-mile pipe designed to tackle the increase in polluting sewage and increased rainfall. The key material is the tunnel lining of reinforced concrete to withstand the enormous pressure from the earth around it and the water flowing through it.
Running from Acton Storm Tanks in Ealing in the west all the way to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works in Newham in the east, it is the most significant engineering update to sewers in the UK for decades.
Construction began in 2016 and was significantly delayed due to COVID, but in October 2024 the gates finally opened in four of the 21 sites. The project is now on track to be fully completed and opened in 2025.
Why does London need a super sewer?
London needs a super sewer because it’s been relying on a largely Victorian sewer system built in the 1860s for too long. Ageing infrastructure and the growing population in London means that this upgrade has been long overdue — though some critics think it may quickly reach capacity due to climate change.
The increased flow in the sewer system is contributed to by more people, along with heavier, more intense periods of rainfall. The threat to the quality of water from all this additional sewage is something the team behind the super sewer will help to combat.
How does the super sewer work?
With new, large pipeworks connecting to existing systems, giant tunnel-boring machines were used to create the super sewer. These new connections collect the overflow and redirect wastewater to the treatment works in London, thereby protecting the river.
During a storm, the existing system combines wastewater and stormwater, quickly filling the system and overflowing into the river. The Tideway Tunnels will divert this water up to a certain capacity instead.
There is also an air management system built into the new sewers, helping to prevent the build-up of odour-causing bacteria.
Does the super sewer benefit the Home Counties?
Yes, you might be surprised to learn that this new super sewer for London also benefits the areas around the capital. It’s a huge upgrade to the waterways that not only improves the environment for the Thames but helps the health of river ecosystems in the Home Counties.
Improved water quality supports local wildlife, enhances recreational activities and hopefully aids tourism — and that’s good news for everyone.
On top of this, by improving and modernising sewage infrastructure in London, there is a precedent set for the rest of the country. Future engineering works can learn from this project and may influence regional drainage and sewage management systems in the years to come.
Are your drains struggling to cope with rainwater more and more often? Don’t hesitate — contact our drainage experts here at Power Rod. We work on domestic drains and commercial drains across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire – so get in touch if you need drain cleaning, drain repairs or drain unblocking to restore your system back into a super sewer.
Call us now for fast and effective service!