50. Thames Water Briefing


On 28 February just before our dinner with the Minister, the Master along with a number of Past Masters and Court Assistants attended a City briefing on Thames Water's resource management plan given by Philip Stride on behalf of Thames. The event was organised by Past Master Rob Casey so that Livery Companies and the City in general can learn more about Father Thames; it reflects our leading role in environmental matters in the City and ties in with our Company objective of convening and participating in debate on such topics.

Philip highlighted the increasing water demand projected in the Thames catchment area over the next 50 years due to climate change and population growth. Thames' strategy to address this included: a 50% reduction in leakage from the water company's own pipes; reducing customer demand including leakage in the customers' own pipes (which included in the total leakage figures publicly quoted in the press); and three proposed resource developments (abstraction at Teddington Lock, a new strategic reservoir in Oxfordshire, and a  water transfer link from the Severn to the upper reaches of the Thames).

The projected climate change impact on demand perhaps came as a surprise to some and there was particular debate round whether still greater reductions in leakage could be achieved. After the meeting Past Master Peter Matthews wrote to Thames summarising the key points discussed. Altogether a most interesting and valuable even (and an excellent appetiser to our dinner with the Minister).

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