Clean Thames Manifesto

WHY THIS AND WHY NOW?

The Port of London Authority is the owner in trust and custodian Type text here of the riverbed and foreshore of the tidal Thames from Teddington Lock to the Estuary.

Our Thames Vision 2050 sets out our goal of being the UK’s largest port, central to the economy, with Net Zero emissions. 

As part of this vision, we want a river that is clean, free from pollution, and with a healthy ecosystem. We have a right and a responsibility to insist that the river is not damaged by the actions of others.

More than ever, our stakeholders, river users and the communities who live and work along the riverside, are demanding a clean river. Public and media outrage about pollution in the river has never been more vocal. Our own research on public attitudes tells us that tackling pollution is the top priority. 

We want to reduce pollution in all forms, whether that is run-off from agriculture or roads, or micro-plastics contamination.  We know that reducing pollution in the Thames is a complex problem that needs more than one solution. We are working to understand the sources and solutions for a wide range of pollutants. For example, we are using our regulatory powers to bring about an end to sewage discharges from commercial vessels from 2024. 

We are also using our independent convening power to bring the right stakeholders to the table.

Pollution from storm overflows and discharges from sewage treatment works is our highest concern. We have been a strong supporter of the Thames Tideway Tunnel and have permitted and licenced its construction. Thames Water estimate a 95% reduction of storm water overflow discharge as a result of the project. We welcome the reduction in sewage discharges the tunnel will bring in London. However, we also expect to see water companies investing in more solutions to reduce sewage discharges. For example, investment in smart sewer technologies that manage networks more effectively and sustainable urban drainage schemes (SuDS) will provide storm overflow reductions. We also recognise the limitations and challenges of SuDS in the urban London landscape. Thames Water’s Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan picks up this challenge, proposing the management of 7,000 ha of land using SuDS across London by 2050.

However, neither we nor our stakeholders will accept continuing sewage discharges into our waterways. Reductions in sewage discharges in the Thames are needed and we welcome support from the water industry regulators. We urge the regulators to significantly accelerate targets for storm overflow reduction in the river in their next price review and regulatory cycle. 

Thames Water, Southern Water and Anglian Water have committed to work towards reductions in sewage and storm water discharges in the Thames faster than planned. We have asked the water companies to meet the targets set out in the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan on the tidal Thames at least ten years ahead of the DEFRA targets. This is a major step in the right direction, and we are pleased to be working closely with the water companies and their regulators to go faster and further for the Thames. 

REGULATORY POWERS

Environment Agency: The Environment Agency sets and enforces water quality standards, the prevention of pollution and monitors water quality in rivers, lakes, and other waterways. It is responsible for the regulation of the environmental activities of water companies which operate in England. 

Ofwat: Ofwat independently regulates the water and wastewater sector in England and Wales. Ofwat plays a critical role in driving the water sector to improve their performance for the environment, including through the price review process.

DEFRA: Defra sets strategic priorities for the water industry in England through a range of measures to protect water quality and ensure that water companies meet their obligations under environmental legislation. 

Port of London Authority: The PLA is a public trust port established to manage and regulate the tidal Thames. The PLA works to protect and enhance the environment of the tidal Thames. Section 200 of the Port of London Act prohibits pollution into the Thames.  

Local Authorities: Local authorities have a range of power to protect the environment, including water quality, within their areas including regulating development and planning in their area to prioritise environmental improvements and enforcing environmental legislation.