Beckton Sewage Treatment Works

We monitor the activities at Beckton Sewage Treatment Works and investigate when smells cause problems to residents.

Beckton Sewage Treatment Works is owned and managed by Thames Water Uilities. The Works receives sewage from North and East London, arriving through the Northern outfall sewer (The Greenway).

Sewage from 3.4 million Londoners is treated on site every day. This sewage has the solid matter removed as sludge, which is incinerated on-site.

The effluent is then cleaned before being discharged into the River Thames - both of these activities are monitored and regulated by the Environment Agency.

Extension to Beckton Sewage Works

Thames Water is currently beginning construction of an extension to Beckton Sewage Works. Once complete in 2015, Beckton will be able to deal with more sewage generated by the increase in London's population and the construction of a new sewer tunnel to intercept storm sewage that would otherwise have been discharged, untreated into the Thames.

As part of the redevelopment the Council has got Thames Water to make major improvements to odour control at the Works. This should significantly reduce the smell that sometimes comes from Beckton Sewage Works

Complaints

The council monitors complaints with regard to smell from the works and is represented on the regular Community Working Party meetings with Thames Water Utilities.

What can I do if I'm affected by an odour problem from the works?

Odours from the works can occur from time to time. If you are affected by odour from the works, you can either contact Thames Water Utilites on 0845 9200 800, stating that the complaint is about smell from Beckton Sewage Treatment Works, or write to:

Thames Water Utilities Ltd
PO Box 286
Swindon
SN38 2RA.

Complaints can also be made by email via the Thames Water Utilities Website.

Alternatively you can contact the Pollution Control team on 020 3373 0643
or email pollution.inquiry@newham.gov.uk.

For central government information about sewage treatment in the UK, please visit the DEFRA website.