London's water supply comes from a variety of sources, primarily:
1. Reservoirs:
- Thames Water operates several reservoirs around London, including Queen Mary Reservoir and King George VI Reservoir.
- These reservoirs collect rainwater and store it for later use.
2. Rivers:
- The River Thames is a major source of water for London.
- Thames Water extracts water from the river at various points, including Hampton Court and Teddington.
3. Groundwater:
- Some water is also extracted from underground aquifers, known as groundwater.
- This source is used more sparingly to protect the environment.
4. Treatment Plants:
- Before water reaches London homes, it goes through treatment plants to remove impurities and make it safe to drink.
- Thames Water operates several large treatment plants, including Hampton and Queen Mary.
5. Water Transfer:
- Water is sometimes transferred from other regions via pipelines to supplement London's supply.
- This helps ensure a consistent water supply during periods of drought or high demand.
London's water supply system is carefully managed to ensure a reliable and safe supply for its residents.
