A 16-mile tunnel stops raw sewage polluting the River Thames, upgrading London’s old sewer system.
The project cost five billion pounds. It stops raw sewage from polluting the River Thames, and connects to London’s old sewer network. Now, it is fully connected, so let’s peek inside it.
The super sewer will upgrade London’s old system. Some parts of the old system are from the 1800s. London’s population has grown a lot, which puts extra strain on the sewers.
The new sewer will divert 34 polluting outlets, stopping them from dumping waste into the river. The super sewer is 24-feet wide and can hold 600 Olympic swimming pools of liquid. In fact, three buses could fit side-by-side in the tunnel.
It starts in Acton, west London, then goes deep under the city. It ends at the Lee Tunnel in east London. The Lee Tunnel will take waste to Beckton as sewage flows through pumping stations underground.
Tideway built the sewer and says it stopped waste from entering the Thames. This equals 2,200 Olympic-sized pools. The sewer is now fully operational, protecting the Thames River.
After tests, Thames Water will take over and be responsible for its upkeep. Thames Water customers paid for the sewer. The company has had sewage and debt troubles, but say it is fair for them to take over anyway.
Sadiq Khan, London’s Mayor, said the sewer will reduce sewage in the river. He added that the city must address other pollution too.