The Abstraction (Intake)
A new abstraction facility will be built on the riverside towpath on Burnell open space above Teddington Weir. The abstraction facility is likely to measure approximately 38m long and 3m to 4m in height above normal water level. The structure could be partially set into the riverbank but extend into the river by up to 3m. Thames Water indicates it could take 21 months to build this abstraction facility. A new tunnel will be made to carry the abstracted water to the existing Thames Lee Tunnel (TLT). The construction compound at Burnell Open Space will take up to half if not more of the area resulting in disruption to the thousands of people that use the towpath and open space regularly.
The latest information from Thames Water now includes vague references to a 5m x 5.5m kiosk of unknown height on Burnell Open space to house mechanical and electrical items. They have provided no details on this nor confirmed if this will be the only “kiosk” built as part of the project.
In a drought millions of litres of water would be taken from the river. In periods of drought, the river will be at its most stressed, and the possibility of ecological harm is ever present.
![REALITY]](http://saveourlandsandriver.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/REALITY.png "REALITY]")
At the statutory consultation Thames Water presented “indicative designs” of what the new abstraction and riverside area would look like at Burnell Riverside Open Space. There were no details of the height of fences, no details of the size or design of the large kiosk, no details of materials to be used – but despite the absence of details there were assurances that the end result would be a positive addition to the Thames Riverside.
With that in mind look at the images above; first, Thames Waters impression of the TDRA abstraction; second, a Severn Trent impression of a new abstraction they recently built. (Note how similar the indicative designs are!).
Then look at the final two images. Those show the reality of the Severn Trent construction. It is not the lovely result that was promised. Note the many elements – fences, shaft covers, very large kiosk, unrecovered vegetation, that were not obvious in the “impression”. Can we really believe that Thames Waters TDRA abstraction will be any better? Thames Water’s TDRA design visuals are like a fairy tale, except one where beautiful swan is turned into an ugly duckling.
The TDRA Kiosk.
Thames Water mention a Kiosk for the first time in the statutory consultation. This could be 5.5m by 5m – no height given, set back from the riverbank. It is described as screened by trees as much as possible. Given that most of the trees will be razed this seems an optimistic notion. The kiosk would hold the intake and outfall’s control and other equipment. Other equipment may include a bio-bullet dispenser. This is used to control invasive mussels, (to stop them fouling the pipes). There is no mention of security measures for the kiosk nor a realistic description of how often the building would be maintained, visited for use or resupply. The collage below shows security fencing around the Thames Water Abstraction (Intake) at Walton on Thames and the kiosk associated with that intake.
The Treated Sewage Outfall.
In a drought 75 million litres a day of treated sewage would be pushed into the river at this location (next to Burnell Open space). The river will be at its most stressed, and the possibility of ecological harm is ever present. Please CLICK HERE to find out more about the environmental issues of treated sewage. (the link will be to the section on environmental harms – it is there but will be updated as well!)
Thames Water have 2 versions of how the treated sewage outfall will be constructed: A Riverbank outfall or an In-River outfall.
Above: Indicitive design for the riverbank outfall: a 4 metre-wide structure with several access covers at ground level, extending slightly over the river edge. Vertical bars would prevent debris blocking the outfall.
Thames Water do not mention security fencing in the indicative design, but this Hogsmill STW outfall has security railings.
To the left is the indicative in-river design. Treated sewage go into the river through underwater pipes and diffusers. These would be located within and on the riverbed, roughly six to eight metres from the riverbank. Permanent in-river structures (posts with ropes and buoys) would be needed to protect the outfall structures and river users. These would take up approx. 15x15 metres of the river area.
Save Our Lands and River
Below are some photos from Burnell Riverside open space. Trees, shrubs and grass provide a range of environmental benefits to riversides. Vegatation on provides shade, which helps lower the temperature of the river. and of the land below the trees. This benefits animals,insects and people! Differing levels of grassy areas creates niches for butterflies and insects. Trees benefit bats, birds, insects and shade the ground below in times of dry weather. The ground works for TDRA at Burnell Riverside open space will level all trees and shrubs under 9 metere and the different levels of grassy areas will be flattened. So, virtually all the vegetation in these photos.
The destruction of green spaces, especially those by rivers, should only happen when the the benefits outweigh the negatives. Thames Water say there is no alternative. We say there are.
