Water. Clean water. Where does it come from? Today we explore Chigwell Water Treatment Works a vital part of London’s water supply.
Chigwell Water Treatment Works is not just a place. It’s a story of innovation. It is a story of meeting the ever-growing demands of a bustling metropolis. This facility ensures that clean safe water flows to countless homes and businesses.
Let’s dive into the history of this crucial site. In the early 1960s the Metropolitan Water Board now part of Thames Water embarked on an ambitious project. They constructed a tunnel beneath London. This tunnel ran from Hampton to the Lee Valley. The tunnel’s size exceeded the requirements for a simple pipeline. South Essex Waterworks Company saw an opportunity.
They negotiated a deal. This deal secured a bulk supply of untreated water ranging from 5 to 20 million gallons per day. A 30% peak was allowed for seasonal demands. Construction of the pipelines commenced in autumn 1962. The Chigwell Row treatment plant began in spring 1963.
A 20-million-gallon treated water reservoir was planned. This reservoir at Heaton Grange would smooth out the demand for treated water. The treatment works design was conventional. It featured double sand filtration preceded by vertical flow sedimentation tanks. A 45-inch main supplied a 7.5 million gallon untreated water storage reservoir.
The Chigwell Water Treatment Works started supplying water in March 1965. Its maximum flow reached 26 million gallons per day. Mr Ian Burfield was the Chemist in charge at the Chigwell Laboratory.
But the story of Chigwell Water Treatment Works doesn’t end in the 60s. Ongoing maintenance is crucial. The Bull Ring a raw water holding reservoir had not been cleaned since 2014. Aquatic Engineering stepped in. They removed a vast number of mussels that had built up in the reservoir. The Bull Ring is difficult to access. It’s the main collection reservoir for water piped in from Thames Water. Zebra and quagga mussels are an ongoing issue.
Chigwell Water Treatment Works plays a vital role in London’s infrastructure. It stands as a testament to engineering. It shows dedication to public health. As you turn on your tap remember the journey of that water. Think of the Chigwell Water Treatment Works. Think of the people who work tirelessly to ensure its purity.