Located adjacent to the William Girling reservoir lies the Chingford South water treatment works. It is a crucial facility for London’s water supply. Commissioned in 2005 this modern plant processes a significant 58 million liters of water each day.
But why was the Chingford South water treatment works needed? Back in March 2003 Thames Water identified a looming deficit. By 2005 North London would lack sufficient water treatment and supply capacity. To solve this problem the Chingford South water treatment works was built.
Let’s delve into the details of the Chingford South water treatment works. It sits on a 1.5-hectare site. Its location is next to the William Girling reservoir and the busy A110 road. The works pull water from two main sources. It abstracts water from the surface of the William Girling and King George V reservoirs. This amounts to as much as 40 million liters per day all year. In addition it can draw up to 18 million liters per day. This comes from the North London Abstraction and Recharge scheme boreholes. However this is only available for six months of the year.
Inside the Chingford South water treatment works are five major buildings. These buildings house key processes. First there is a low lift pumping station. Next is the main process plant. This measures 70 meters by 40 meters. There is also a lamella clarifier plant and an ozone generation and contactor. Finally the high lift pumping station completes the chain.
The Chingford South water treatment works employs advanced treatment methods. Dissolved air flotation or DAF is used. Rapid gravity filters or RGF are also used. These processes ensure the water is clean and safe.
Interestingly steel tanks were chosen over concrete ones. Steel tanks have a shorter design life of 25 years compared to concrete’s 60 years. However steel offered a faster construction time.
Construction of the Chingford South water treatment works was rapid. It spanned from April 2004 to September 2005. In November 2005 the completed plant was handed over to Thames Water. The entire project cost £43 million.
The William Girling Reservoir plays an important role. It was named after William Girling. He was a chairman of the Metropolitan Water Board. Together with the nearby King George V Reservoir they are known as the Chingford Reservoirs.
A slip occurred during its construction in 1937. Investigations into this landslip are seen as the birth of modern soil mechanics in Britain.
Today the Chingford South water treatment works ensures a reliable water supply. It uses modern techniques and careful engineering. It stands as a testament to London’s commitment to providing clean water.