It comes ahead of the opening of the new Thames Tideway sewage system that will become operational next year

London mayor Sadiq Khan has committed to bringing together partners to clean up London’s rivers over the next ten years. 

Joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP on a visit to the newly-built Thames Tideway sewage system, Khan said he was “determined” to clean up London’s rivers.

The 25km Thames Tideway tunnel, which will become fully operational in 2025, will protect the river from sewage pollution, bringing “transformational environmental benefits”. Sitting above the new infrastructure, Tyburn Quay on the Victoria Embankment in central London, which Khan and Reed visited today, is one of seven new riverside public spaces offering “never-before-seen views of the city”.

City Hall analysis shows that five times more sewage flowed into London’s rivers in 2023 compared to the previous year, with many species in decline. In his manifesto, Khan committed to working with partners to transform London’s rivers, “building thriving ecosystems and delivering waterways that are clean and safe enough to swim in”.

The mayor has now outlined how he will “harness the power of partnerships and working with local communities” to bring together companies, government agencies, charities and campaigners to “develop and deliver an ambitious ten-year plan to clean up London’s waterways and support a diverse range of wildlife”.

He says he will also continue to push Thames Water to address damaging sewage spills, expand the installation of sustainable drainage systems, tackle sewer misconnections, and fund reedbeds and other solutions that naturally filter the water in London’s rivers.

As part of his pledge, the mayor is calling on a range of key stakeholders to sign a commitment to work with him to increase London’s biodiversity and use a “nature-first approach” to clean up the city’s waterways. The last two years have seen the successful reintroduction of beavers in Enfield and Ealing – and Khan hopes this will be just the start of a nature revival in London. 

Sadiq will also use the opportunity of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, which is part of improvements that will reduce sewage discharge in the tidal Thames by around 95%, to make further progress in cleaning up all of London’s waterways, using natural solutions whenever possible. It’s hoped that in doing so, more areas for Londoners to walk, paddle and swim will be created.

Khan, said: “For far too long London’s rivers have been neglected and damaged by sewage pollution. We have made great progress in cleaning our air in London and I’m committed to doing the same with our rivers. 

“The Thames and its tributaries are the lifeblood of London and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore waterways and create a future where our rivers are clean, safe and truly for everyone.  

“I’m determined to bring together communities and partners to achieve this, working hand-in-hand with the new government. I know that together we can make our rivers something that every Londoner can be proud of as we continue to build a greener, fairer London for everyone.”

Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said: “The Thames is a source of national pride. It attracts millions of visitors, provides opportunities for rowing, sailing and other sports, and is a home to beautiful wildlife. But like so many of our waterways, it is in an unacceptable state. 

“This government will not tolerate water companies illegally pumping sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas and I applaud the mayor of London for his work in bringing the issue of water pollution to the fore in the capital.”

David Mooney, chief executive officer of London Wildlife Trust, added: “London Wildlife Trust is proud to be supporting the mayor of London in his ambition to clean the capital’s waterways for people and wildlife. We have partnered with the mayor on some great rewilding projects and his continued commitment to making London cleaner and more nature rich should be an inspiration for others.

“In the face of a climate and ecological emergency it is vital we show collective ambition and I’m excited to join the mayor in a partnership to find a route to nature rich waterways within this decade.”

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