Coppermills advanced water treatment works
We’re improving Coppermills Water Treatment Works (WTW) in Walthamstow, London. This facility has been an integral part of our supply network since 1969. It's responsible for supplying around one-third of London’s drinking water.
To improve Coppermill's reliability, we're investing £400 million over the next seven years. These upgrades will improve the site’s capacity to meet the needs of our growing population.
When and where we're working
- First public drop-in session - Wednesday 29th January 2025
- Planning application for pumping station building - Spring/Summer 2025
- Planning approval works start on site - Spring/Summer 2026
- All works complete - Spring/Summer 2032
Wetlands and reservoirs in the Lee Valley Special Protection Area
Planned improvements
The planned improvement works will all happen inside our site. These include:
- Replacing the 1960s pumping station to keep your service reliable and efficient
- Building new pipes, chambers, and control structures above and below ground. This will allow us to get the site back up and running more quickly if there’s ever an issue with water quality. This is in line with our regulator Ofwat’s requirements.
- Building an electricity substation to power our new equipment
- Moving parts of our security fence (the taller fence inside the site) to make extra space. The outside boundary fence won’t move.
Permission to carry out works
Coppermills is near a reservoir network in the Lee Valley Special Protection Area. As this is home to many bird species, we need to carry out a habitat assessment to ensure our work doesn't impact them.
We'll also apply to Waltham Forest Council for approval before starting any work. Additionally, we'll submit standard planning permission applications for certain aspects of the project.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the project, please call us on 0800 316 9800. Select option one and quote reference number BB 00915644.