If you live in London or have visited the city, you may have wondered where the water that flows from your tap comes from. The answer is not as simple as you may think. In fact, the supply of water to London is a complex system that involves multiple sources and suppliers.
The Water Sources
The water that supplies London comes from a variety of sources, including rivers, reservoirs, and underground aquifers. The main sources of water for London are the River Thames and River Lea, both of which are located in the southeast of England.
The Water Suppliers
There are three main water suppliers in London: Thames Water, Affinity Water, and South East Water. Each supplier is responsible for providing water to different parts of the city.
Thames Water
Thames Water is the largest water supplier in London and provides water to over 15 million people across London and the surrounding areas. The company sources its water from a variety of sources including rivers, reservoirs, and underground aquifers.
Thames Water also operates several sewage treatment plants throughout London to treat wastewater before it is released back into the environment. This ensures that the water supply remains safe and clean for consumers.
Affinity Water
Affinity Water supplies water to around 3.6 million people in parts of northwest London and Hertfordshire. The company sources its water from underground aquifers located beneath the Chiltern Hills.
Like Thames Water, Affinity Water also operates sewage treatment plants to treat wastewater before it is released back into the environment.
South East Water
South East Water supplies water to around 2.2 million people in parts of southeast England, including parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire. The company sources its water from rivers, reservoirs, and underground aquifers.
Like Thames Water and Affinity Water, South East Water also operates sewage treatment plants to treat wastewater before it is released back into the environment.
The Regulation of Water Suppliers
The water suppliers in London are regulated by the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat). Ofwat regulates the prices that water companies can charge their customers and sets Targets for the quality of service that they must provide.
Ofwat also ensures that water suppliers in London are meeting their obligations under the Water Industry Act 1991. This includes ensuring that they are providing a safe and reliable water supply to their customers, as well as protecting the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the supply of water to London is a complex system that involves multiple sources and suppliers. Thames Water, Affinity Water, and South East Water are the three main suppliers in London, each responsible for providing water to different parts of the city. The regulation of these suppliers ensures that they meet their obligations to provide a safe and reliable water supply to their customers while protecting the environment.