Kempton Park Water Treatment Works

Could a place built for function also possess beauty? Here at the Kempton Park Water Treatment Works, the answer is a resounding yes. The Kempton Park Water Treatment Works, nestled in the London Borough of Hounslow and Kempton Park Surrey, has been quietly quenching London’s thirst since 1906. It draws water from the River Thames, transforming it into potable water for homes in north and west London. This process, essential for daily life, is carried out within a structure that whispers tales of engineering ingenuity and historical significance. The Kempton Park Water Treatment Works’ story begins in 1897, when the New River Company acquired this land. Their vision was a new treatment and storage works to bolster London’s water supply. Construction commenced in 1900, culminating in the works’ inauguration in 1906. By then, the Metropolitan Water Board (MWB) had been formed, absorbing the New River Company and other London water companies. Initially, the Kempton Park Water Treatment Works included two sprawling reservoirs capable of holding 1364 mega litres, twelve slow sand filter beds, and a pumping station connected to Cricklewood via a 42-inch main. While that main was being finished, treated water was ingeniously diverted to Finsbury Park using a pre-existing 36-inch main. The Kempton Park Water Treatment Works wasn’t static. It evolved with the city’s needs. Prefilters were added in the late 1920s, enhancing the slow sand filtration process. Even today, the Kempton Park Water Treatment Works stands as a vital part of London’s water infrastructure. It draws water from the Staines reservoirs, which offer a natural 90-day retention time for sediment settling. The water then undergoes a series of treatments at Kempton Park. First, rapid gravity filters remove larger particles and algae. Next, ozone, generated on-site, is introduced to further purify the water. The final stage involves slow sand filtration with a granular activated carbon layer, followed by hypochlorite treatment and a chlorine contact tank. The result is clean, safe water for millions. But the Kempton Park Water Treatment Works offers more than just functionality. It houses the iconic 1920s steam engines, a testament to a bygone era of engineering. These engines, lovingly preserved, tell their own stories of powering the pumps that kept London hydrated. So, as you stand here, at the Kempton Park Water Treatment Works, consider the incredible journey of the water that flows beneath our feet. It is a journey facilitated by the ingenuity of the past and the dedication of the present, ensuring that London continues to thrive.