Richmond Council rejects Thames Water filming request

Richmond Council has rejected a request from Thames Water to film within the borough. The decision stems from an ongoing dispute concerning the water company's proposal to discharge treated wastewater into the River Thames.

Opposition to Wastewater Scheme

Lib Dem Council Leader Gareth Roberts stated that the council denied permission for Thames Water to film a promotional video. He explained that the authority was acting on behalf of residents who strongly oppose the firm's Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme. This project involves replacing up to 75 million litres of water per day with treated wastewater during dry periods.

Councillor Roberts expressed shock at the request, describing the borough as one that Thames Water is "hell-bent on destroying". He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the council did not want Thames Water to "spoil our borough, and at the same time ask permission for it to form the backdrop for one of your nice promotional puff pieces."

The TDRA scheme, intended to ensure London's water supply during droughts, would involve abstracting up to 75 million litres of water daily from the Thames above Teddington Weir. This water would be transferred to the Lee Valley reservoirs for treatment. It would be replaced in the river by "highly-treated" wastewater from Mogden Sewage Treatment Works via a new tunnel.

The scheme has faced significant opposition from the council, local Members of Parliament, residents, and campaigners. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on the environment, wildlife, and human health. A petition calling for the scheme's cancellation has garnered over 34,200 signatures.

Councillor Roberts reiterated the council's desire for Thames Water to abandon the plans entirely, suggesting that the company has not fully explored alternative solutions for future water supply issues. He indicated that the council believes the TDRA scheme is being pursued because it is the most cost-effective option available.

Thames Water's Position

Thames Water has previously stated that the scheme would meet water quality standards set by the Environment Agency and comply with all relevant regulatory and legal requirements. A spokesperson for the company told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that a production company working on their behalf had contacted Richmond Council to discuss filming possibilities. This was part of a customer awareness campaign intended to explain the company's investments in improving services, reducing leaks, and cutting pollution.

The spokesperson added that the proposed film would update customers on recent improvements and showcase ongoing work as part of the company's network upgrade. Thames Water intends to apply to the Government for a development consent order for the TDRA project in early 2027.

The council remains firm in its opposition and is "not backing down in our fight against Thames Water to get them to shelve these plans."