Last reviewed: 3.6.2011 - 5.53am
In June 2010 we opened mainland UK's first-ever desalination plant to help ensure London - which is classed as "seriously water stressed" - has a much-needed back-up supply during long periods of low rainfall.
The Thames Gateway Water Treatment Works will take water from the tidal River Thames and has the capacity to provide water for up to 400,000 households.
In this section
Why does London need more water?
Find out why London is classed by the Environment Agency as 'seriously water stressed'.
Why are we treating water from the tidal Thames?
Read about why our new treatment works takes water from the tidal part of the River Thames.
How the new treatment works will operate
Find out how we take a mixture of salty and fresh water from the tidal River Thames and turn it into top-quality tap water.
Frequently asked questions
Read answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Thames Gateway Water Treatment Works.
