The UK’s largest water company, Thames Water, has partnered with the Jacobs and Mott MacDonald joint venture to deliver a major drought resilience project called the Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA). If approved, this nationally significant initiative is set to begin operations in 2033, providing up to 75 million litres of water daily during prolonged dry periods.
The South East of England, one of the driest regions in the UK, is classified by the Environment Agency as “seriously water stressed.” Without investing in new infrastructure, millions of people, the environment, and the economy could face severe consequences. Thames Water is taking proactive steps to address these challenges, as climate change and population growth continue to strain London’s water supply. By 2050, Thames Water expects to be supplying water to 10 million people in London, up from the current eight million.
The appointment of Jacobs and Mott MacDonald follows a rigorous procurement process, with the joint venture selected for its extensive experience in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects in the UK. Both companies have a track record of major works, including involvement in the Thames Tideway Tunnel and High Speed 2. Jacobs is also providing engineering services for Singapore’s new Kranji Water Reclamation Plant.
With the recent government approval of Thames Water’s Water Resource Management Plan, the joint venture will play a key role in preparing for the submission of a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the TDRA project by 2026. If granted, construction is expected to start in 2028.
Mohit Farmah, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain at Thames Water, emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “This project is of national significance due to its scale and its critical role in safeguarding the economy, society, and the environment. I’m confident that this partnership will help secure London’s water future with the expertise provided by Jacobs and Mott MacDonald.”
Jacobs’ Senior Vice President, Kate Kenny, highlighted the global need for sustainable water solutions in response to climate change. “Communities worldwide are turning to innovative methods to reclaim and transform used water into a sustainable resource. We’re excited to continue our collaboration with Thames Water and Mott MacDonald, bringing our planning and engineering expertise to ensure a resilient water supply for London,” she said.
Tim Hill, General Manager of Water & Environment at Mott MacDonald, added, “This appointment reflects our leadership in England’s water sector resource planning. We’re not only helping shape strategic water projects but also identifying ways to deliver wider benefits, including biodiversity gains, positive social impacts, and improved climate resilience.”
Together, the partnership aims to secure London’s water supply while ensuring that environmental and ecological considerations are integrated into the project.