SCIENCE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Britain's only desalination plant idle during severe drought
WHY IT MATTERS
The idle desalination plant highlights the challenges of addressing droughts in the UK, where climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense droughts. The situation underscores the need for reliable water supplies and the importance of investing in infrastructure to support water security.
What happened
The Thames Gateway desalination plant in east London, designed to provide drinking water during severe droughts, remains out of service despite low water levels on the River Thames. The plant, capable of producing up to 100 Ml/d of water, has only run five times since its opening in 2010.
Thames Water is working to replace damaged equipment, including the plant's membranes, and aims to bring the plant online by the end of the year if needed.
The drought has been described as 'exceptionally serious' with the UK recording its driest July since 1836.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Britain’s only desalination plant remains idle during drought
New Scientist · Madeleine Cuff · Discovery and factual synthesis only; publisher copyright and subscription terms apply