Thames Water commits £20M to strengthen Berkshire water network

Thames Water has unveiled plans to invest more than £20 million in water infrastructure improvements across Woodley and the surrounding Berkshire area, as part of a wider programme aimed at modernising its network and improving service resilience.

The investment will fund major upgrades at two key sites, with work focused on enhancing drinking water quality, increasing network reliability and preparing the system for future population growth and demand.

A significant portion of the funding will be directed towards improvements at Bowsey Hill Service Reservoir, while additional investment will support upgrades at Sheeplands Water Treatment Works.

According to Thames Water, the programme will introduce enhanced treatment processes, upgraded monitoring technology and improvements to operational infrastructure designed to strengthen the reliability of water supplies across the region.

The utility says the work will help maintain compliance with drinking water quality standards while reducing the risk of service interruptions and operational challenges.

Planned improvements include the installation of new chemical dosing systems, enhanced water quality monitoring equipment and infrastructure upgrades intended to maintain supply during maintenance activities and planned outages.

The majority of the investment will be delivered during the current AMP8 regulatory period, with projects being rolled out over the next five years.

Thames Water says the scheme forms part of its broader long-term strategy to modernise ageing assets and improve resilience across its network.

Paul Wetton, Thames Water’s Director of Water Programmes, said:

“This investment is an important part of the biggest upgrade to our infrastructure in 150 years, helping us modernise our network, protect water supplies and deliver a more resilient service for customers.

“By upgrading treatment works, improving monitoring and investing in new processes, we are helping to maintain high standards of drinking water quality while supporting future demand and population growth.”

The programme reflects increasing investment across the UK water sector as companies seek to improve network resilience, address ageing infrastructure and prepare for future environmental and population pressures.

Once completed, the upgrades are expected to provide customers across Woodley and neighbouring communities with a more robust and reliable water supply while supporting long-term growth across the area.