Shaping Our Wastewater Future the Approach We’Ve Taken to Create Collaborative Planning Objectives for Our First Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP)

Shaping our wastewater future The approach we’ve taken to create collaborative planning objectives for our first Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP)

Strategic Context document

January 2021 Introduction Contents A message

3 Introduction from our CEO 4 Creating our first DWMP Creating our first DWMP Since joining Thames Water in September, I’ve I’m delighted with the progress we’ve achieved 17 Setting shared planning objectives been spending time listening and engaging so far, particularly the scope of work we’ve with our customers, colleagues, investors and collaboratively defined, alongside the creation of 23 Our next steps stakeholders – and I’m using this information to the 12 integrated planning objectives. This work help shape our future. has created a strong foundation for the rest of our 25 Work with us DWMP’s development. I know that our success is dependent on us all working brilliantly together. I’m passionate about You may have heard me talk about the importance understanding everyone’s views, so we can build of us being a force for good in the communities both long and short-term plans that will meet with we serve. This is something I feel strongly about. Setting shared planning objectives the needs and expectations of our customers, As an example of the difference we can make, communities and environment. I’ve made public my opinion that the discharge of untreated sewage into the environment is I’ve been struck by the dedication and enthusiasm unacceptable. I want our long-term plan to support of everyone I’ve met. While each group has their us in addressing this issue, alongside many others own interests, we all share a common goal when it that will help us protect our environment for future comes to our business. Everyone wants Thames to generations. Together we can make a huge and successfully achieve our purpose: ‘to deliver life’s positive impact. essential service, so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive’. I look forward to continuing to work together to deliver positive outcomes for our customers, the Our next steps Through working closely and collaboratively communities we serve and the natural environment with different stakeholders, I’m delighted to say around our special region. we’re developing our first ever Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan. This will be our long-term, collaborative plan to ensure a resilient and sustainable wastewater service for the next 25 years and beyond.

I want to thank every stakeholder who has

contributed to the DWMP process so far. Your Work with us

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future involvement will continue to be fundamental for this to be a success, so we’ll keep working closely together as we move forward with building the plan. Sarah Bentley Chief Executive Officer, Thames Water.

We welcome your views on this Strategic Context document. Please share them with our dedicated DWMP team via [email protected]. 1 2 Introduction Creating our first DWMP Setting shared planning objectives Our next steps Work with us 4

Drainage and wastewater services • Reduce sewer flooding • 100%compliance • Zero serious pollution incidents

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o n identifies the actions that are required to make sure to make identifies the actions that are required our services reliably and continue delivering can we for outcomes positive while also achieving sustainably, environment. our customers, communities and focus prioritised the scope to we’ve DWMP, In this first as an consider collectively, pressures we on the future and impact on drainage the greatest industry, to have using be forecast services, and that can wastewater change, These are climate nationally agreed data. population growth and urban creep. and a costed deliver will ultimately Our DWMP and their action plan of interventions, strategic the next 25 years. sequencing, for

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d v e R n outcomes e ing Improv that was developed jointly by regulators jointly by that was developed Customers and communities • Fair charges • Improve health and wellbeing • Increase amenity The environment • Increase diversity • No deterioration • Environmental net gain This is the first time we’ve produced a long-term plan produced a long-term we’ve This is the first time business. Based on the national our wastewater for * framework the Defra, and industry bodies including Ofwat, Government, UK, Welsh Environment Agency, Water Water, for Council Consumer Wales, Resources Natural is creating DWMP the Water, ADEPT and Blueprint for adapt our wastewater how we the roadmap for challenges. service to cope with future on plan that’s focused costed is a long-term A DWMP risks and the future partnership working and sets out It systems. and wastewater our drainage pressures for What we could achieve by working together working by achieve could we What What’s a DWMP? a DWMP? What’s Creating our Creating DWMP first Working in partnership to co-create a 25-year plan a 25-year to co-create in partnership Working that sustainably and wastewater drainage for environment the natural communities and benefits in our region Our DWMP vision DWMP Our We’re pleased to have successfully completed the completed successfully pleased to have We’re DWMP, known as the Strategic of our first stage set out the principal drivers where we stage, Context the by encouraged plan. We’re our long-term for encountered engagement we’ve of stakeholder level restrictions. especially in light of the Covid-19 so far, and ways to develop always looking for We’re engagement approach to our stakeholder improve plan creating the most collaborative sure we’re make of the through the next stages move As we can. we our to furthering look forward we framework, DWMP discussions and creating opportunities stakeholder collaboration. for collate as we revisit This is a living document that we’ll that anticipate we Ultimately, feedback. stakeholder DWMP24 of the first chapter this document will form 2022, and in the summer of initial consultation for in March 2023. final publication

As the pressures of an ever-changing world As the pressures of an ever-changing more do, it’s even increasingly impact what we and plan ahead to protect that we important and the DWMP the future, enhance our services for It also directlyprocess enables us to do just that. ambitions and strategic underpins the long-term seen us invest priorities of our business. These have our nearly £600 million in asset resilience to improve a as achieve network since 1990, as well wastewater our sewage treatment for 99.74% compliance rating works in 2020. All of this work helps us to prevent flooding impacting our customers and pollution sewer environment. our local incidents affecting Co-created in partnership with stakeholders, the in partnership with stakeholders, Co-created catchment future is to identify aim of the DWMP treatment and wastewater risks to our drainage solutions to address integrated and develop systems positive deliver we’ll them. Through collaboration, our customers, communities and for outcomes than and efficiently environment more sustainably in isolation. could achieve we We’re delighted to be leading the development of the to be leading the development delighted We’re region. Valley and the Thames London for DWMP Introduction

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future 3 Introduction Creating our first DWMP Setting shared planning objectives Our next steps Work with us 6 context Strategic Strategic screening Risk-based catchment catchment vulnerability 1 2 Baseline-risk and Stage Stage assessment (BRAVA) assessment 1 3 Stage Stage Informed by the industry-agreed framework and the industry-agreed framework by Informed within our existing planning boundaries/groups most the region, and with the aim of developing can, we DWMP and collaborative comprehensive across our stakeholders chosen to engage we’ve three levels: 1 1 Stage Stage DWMP development 1 4 Stage Stage DWMP development process development DWMP 1 5 Including the Environment Agency, National Infrastructure Commission, Greater London Authority (GLA) and Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), who cover the whole of the Thames Water region Our 27 Catchment Partnerships and 13 TRFCCs Including local organisations, interest groups and the general public Region-wide forums Catchment Partnerships and Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee areas (TRFCC) Local-level engagement Stage Stage Options development and appraisal Programme Programme appraisal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 It’s not possible for DWMPs to be developed by by to be developed DWMPs It’s not possible for water led by companies alone. They’re water with collaboratively companies but developed a shared other organisations and groups that have flooding in drainage, responsibility and/or interest protection. and environmental DWMP development process Stakeholder engagement approach How is a DWMP developed? is a DWMP How process. five-stage that includes the following using the nationally-agreed framework is developed A DWMP our DWMP develop to with stakeholders collaborating we’re How Generate public value Creating public realm Building on the success of Walthamstow Wetlands and our nature reserves Delivering a net gain in biodiversity Improving access to sites for sport and recreation Supporting special interest groups and citizen science Creating new public realm as part of the Thames Tideway Tunnel fully underpin our AMP7 business plan (2020 underpin our AMP7 business plan fully for aspirations developing to 2025) and our aligning carefully We’re Review. the 2024 Price to enable our of our DWMP the development business to support our strategic wastewater years. the next 25 ambitions and priorities over Positively impacting communities Growing our Community Investment Programme Reaching every schoolchild with our education programme Providing a public voice for water and wastewater Encouraging employee volunteering and community speakers Making a sustained contribution to the economy Invest in resilient systems and assets Working in partnership to co-create a 25-year plan for drainage and drainage plan for a 25-year in partnership to co-create Working benefits communities and the natural that sustainably wastewater environment in our region Keeping bills affordable through our social tariffs Supporting customers through our priority services register Continuing support for the Thames Water Trust Fund Delivering more Smarter Home Visits Supporting our corporate charity and local charities Helping those in need

communities and the environment can thrive and the environment communities

Deliver brilliant customer engagement

vision Our DWMP Our DWMP Our Purpose: To deliver life’s essential service, so our customers, service, essential life’s deliver Our Purpose: To Protecting the environment Investing in nature-based infrastructure Aiming for zero pollutions and a cleaner Thames Tackling plastic pollution through customer education and by installing drinking fountains Looking after the health of rivers Committing to net zero carbon by 2030 and beyond Public Value framework Strategic Ambitions How does the DWMP fit with our strategy? strategy? fit with our DWMP does the How planning process, and the outcomes The DWMP working in partnership by be achieved that can business directly align with our with stakeholders, and priorities strategic purpose, three long-term framework. pillars of our public value the four process of the DWMP Additionally, the outcomes

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future 5 Introduction

How the DWMP aligns to other strategic management plans Our experience collaborating with stakeholders

The DWMP is informed by, and aligned to, other plans that, through consultation with stakeholders, We have extensive experience of collaborative We outline below some examples of the drainage strategic management plans including River Basin we consider to be critical. As the DWMP cycle matures working with drainage and wastewater and wastewater solutions we’ve worked on in Management Plans and Flood Risk Management over time, we anticipate increasing the extent of our stakeholders. Over the years, we’ve successfully partnership. We look forward to continuing this Creating our first DWMP Plans. We’ve prioritised the alignment of our DWMP integrated planning activity. delivered many major and long-term integrated collaborative work as part of our DWMP going against those aspects of other strategic management plans and solutions with our stakeholders that forward. have achieved sustainable benefits for our DWMP’s alignment customers, the communities we serve and our region’s environment. to other strategic management plans Drainage & Wastewater Oxford flood alleviation scheme Management Local Our partners: 10 organisations including the Environment Agency and Oxford City Council. Plan Water Setting shared planning objectives Growth Resources Partnership solution: 5km long scheme to lower the existing floodplain to the west of Oxford to Strategy Management create more space for water. Plan Surface Local Water Natural Ruislip Manor flooding Management Capital Plan Plan Our partners: London Borough of Hillingdon and Transport for London. National Partnership solution: Defra funded joint project Multi-agency planning policy to review the flooding that frequently occurs on the Flood Plan Strategic frameworks Our next steps (for England and highway, in commercial premises and Ruislip Manor for Wales) London Underground station. The study phase of management this work has now been completed and an integrated model of the drainage catchment has been developed. Strategic plans Highway Asset Flood Risk The next stage of this work is the optioneering phase, subject Management to funding approval. Assessment Strategy London strategic sustainable drainage systems National FCERM pilots (SuDS) Strategic Flood Strategies (for Risk Plan England and for Our partners: Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (local levy). Work with us

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future Wales) Partnership solution: Jointly funded project to strengthen the business case for dispersed small Flood Risk River Basin Management Area Management SuDS interventions across a local catchment by accounting for the wider, non-flood, benefits and Plan Statements Plan integrating SuDS into public works. The project included modelling, construction and monitoring SuDS (Wales Only) features to help quantify the cumulative impact of multiple SuDS interventions. It includes a variety of SuDS schemes in Camden, Hillingdon, Southwark and Enfield.

7 8 Introduction Creating our first DWMP Setting shared planning objectives Our next steps Work with us 10 akeholder engagement activities in this engagement activities akeholder Updates at our 27 Catchment Partnership forums Partnership at our 27 Catchment Updates forums at the 13 TRFCC Updates 2019 Review at our Annual Stakeholder to wider stakeholders A presentation on our website portal of the DWMP Launch questions consultation document and stakeholder Context Strategic Distribution of our draft key to sign off the 1 stakeholders Level with of the first of our bi-annual meetings Delivery stage Context decisions within our Strategic planning national and Finish group to establish Task in the industry-level Participation group steering with the national DWMP objectives Six common planning objectives defined at a national level Six common planning objectives region to the Thames Water tailored planning objectives Six bespoke Responses to the consultation were collated into our ‘You said, we did’ document that was did’ document we said, into our ‘You collated were to the consultation Responses involved to all of the stakeholders distributed in to account and taken and regulators were our stakeholders from expectations High-level of our final planning objectives used to support the development • • • • Stakeholder engagement activities engagement Stakeholder 12 planning objectives co-created and agreed co-created 12 planning objectives • • • • • • • and planning themes expectations stakeholder Defined This Strategic Context document has been developed through consultation with stakeholders from over 70 over from with stakeholders through consultation document has been developed Context This Strategic of our st and groups. Here’s a snapshot organisations, institutions DWMP. our of developing first stage How we collaborated with stakeholders in the Strategic Context stage Context in the Strategic with stakeholders collaborated we How DWMP Deﬁnition and Scope Geography stage Context Drivers Strategic An agreed scope of work for our integrated DWMP DWMP our integrated of work for An agreed scope principal (the objectives A set of shared planning is designed to achieve) that the plan outcomes • • The overriding deliverables from the Strategic Strategic the from deliverables The overriding are: stage Context context context Strategic Strategic Strategic screening screening Risk-based Risk-based catchment catchment catchment vulnerability vulnerability 11 22 Baseline-risk and Baseline-risk and Stage Stage Stage Stage assessment (BRAVA) (BRAVA) assessment assessment 11 33 period Stage Stage Stage Stage Planning Planning objectives 11 11 Stage Stage Stage Stage DWMPDWMP developmentdevelopment 11 44 Stage Stage Stage Stage 11 55 Stage Stage Stage Stage OptionsOptions development development and appraisal and appraisal Programme Programme Programme appraisal appraisal What’s the Strategic Context stage? Context the Strategic What’s Strategic stage Context components The first step in the development of a DWMP is the of a in the development The first step work with we stage In this stage. Context Strategic to agree the and industry partners our stakeholders pressures impacting the future DWMP, the scope for success. measure and how we its development

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future 9 Introduction Creating our first DWMP Setting shared planning objectives Our next steps Work with us 12 Prioritised future Prioritised future pressure Urban creep and misconnections and Urban creep with impermeable over When green areas are paved this call we drain, that don’t naturally materials within permeable surfaces ‘urban creep’. Losing entering our urban areas leads to more rainwater and network, which reduces its capacity our sewer poor river to property flooding and contributes quality. water to urban creep is the problem of linked Also often misconnections (i.e. water properties with surface into our foul discharging roofs) downpipes from foul our within capacity up takes This network. sewer sewage into spillages of untreated network, causing the environment. impermeable Reduce TO: AIMS OUR DWMP misconnections in our region, and identify surfaces working with partners to limit the impact of these issues on the environment and our customers’ bills. water n o lli i m 1.3 New homes in our region up by 2045 £ n o lli i m

1 . 2 Prioritised future Prioritised future pressure Population in Population our region up by £ 2045 Population growth Population of water growth and changing patterns Population systems. a huge impact on our drainage usage have population of our wider region will the forecast We 2045, supported 2.1 million by a further grow by 1.3 million new homes. In addition, an extra by usage water challenged with projecting we’re the growing number of tourists and transient by and in our region, communities that regularly stay has on our existing the impact that changing volume system. and drainage wastewater the most efficient use Make TO: AIMS OUR DWMP and look to increase capacity of our current capacity where necessary. Address these challenges AIMS TO: OUR DWMP to and ecosystems working with our stakeholders by resilient services. continue to deliver ensure we drainage assets. The impact climate change may have change may have assets. The impact climate drainage quality, ground conditions, the flows, water on sewer the demand courses and sensitivity of receiving water a significant creates potentially sludge recycling for us. challenge for future

Prioritised future Prioritised future pressure

Extreme changes in weather patterns create major create patterns Extreme changes in weather services, including our wastewater challenges for affecting particularly and flooding, of risk the increasing treatment works andthe efficiency of our wastewater Over the next 25 years climate change is predicted to change is predicted climate the next 25 years Over across our region. We’re patterns impact the weather (summer heatwaves events extreme weather expecting to become in winter) events rainfall heavy and very and intense. more frequent Here we outline the future pressures that will impact our DWMP, and highlight the three that have been prioritised been that have and highlight the three pressures that will impact our DWMP, outline the future Here we feedback. based on stakeholder DWMP, this first for After the DWMP framework was published in 2019, we initiated our Strategic Context stage with extensive with extensive stage Context our Strategic initiated we was published in 2019, framework the DWMP After services. Many of these and wastewater our drainage facing challenges future of the research and consideration so in the future. services now, and will continue to do and wastewater our drainage are directly affecting

Climate change Climate Future pressures on our region pressures Future

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future 11 Technological advancements Introduction

Rapid advances in technology could transform how we manage wastewater and profoundly affect our long-term plans. Our key focus in this area will be increasing the monitoring and remote control of our network to give us real-time insights. We also want to develop nano-technology to move us closer towards micro-treatment.

Environmental impacts Changing customer demands and Resilient systems OUR DWMP AIMS TO: Optimise potential Creating our first DWMP expectations and asset deterioration technological advancements that support further Protecting our environment has never been higher efficiencies and opportunities for collaboration. on social and political agendas globally. Our From our experience and London 2100 megatrends System resilience and adaptability is fundamental company, and what we do, is intimately connected research* we know that customer demands, Adapative pathways to maintain our essential service, seen most recently map illustration* to the environment – from how we abstract water behaviours, preferences and expectations of through the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Adaption Pathways Map from rivers and streams, to the safe processing the wastewater service, and its impact on the Infrastructure Commission highlights the importance Action A of wastewater and efficient recycling of sludge. environment, are changing. Society’s engagement of resilient systems* and how to achieve this via a Action B Increasingly stringent environmental requirements in wastewater could also significantly increase in proactive framework and adaptive pathways. We for wastewater present us with a huge challenge the future with some customers transitioning from Current must follow this approach to ensure we can thrive policy of balancing the need to meet them against the consumers to ‘prosumers’, where they produce Setting shared planning objectives despite the wide range of future pressures we face. Action C financial and social costs. outputs from their own wastewater by reusing it rather than disposing of it. OUR DWMP AIMS TO: Deliver resilient Action D OUR DWMP AIMS TO: Reduce our impact on infrastructure and long-term planning using OUR DWMP AIMS TO: Reflect what customers 0 10 70 80 90 100 the environment and the overall cost of meeting adaptive pathway approaches to provide the years want now and in the future. Transfer station Adaption Tipping Point environmental standards to ensure we protect and services our communities rely on. enhance it for future generations. to new action of an action (Terminal) Action e ective Action not e ective Our wastewater service in all scenarios in scenario X megatrends research

4 future wastewater scenarios Landlocking Competition and market reform Our next steps Landscape for innovation Buoyant economy and rapid pace of change Many of our sewage treatment works (STW) are There could be radical reform within the UK Think big Technology utopia Scenario Scenario unable to expand and increase their current capacity wastewater industry in the future with the 1 21 as the land surrounding them has been developed or expansion of competition and new markets. This is cost prohibitive to acquire. We call this ‘landlocking’, would encourage opportunities, cost-efficiency and and it’s particularly a problem for us in London. innovation in a sector that has been previously dominated by monopolies and regulation. Societal Societal attitude Flush & forget Reality bites attitude OUR DWMP AIMS TO: Use innovation and Disengaged Engaged systems thinking to tackle these problems at their OUR DWMP AIMS TO: Plan for the future of source and reduce the load flowing into our sites. our region by closely considering and maximising Work with us Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future potential market opportunities. Scenario Scenario 31 41 Landscape for innovation Stagnant market and slow pace of change Despite these significant pressures on the future of wastewater, we recognise our central role is to maintain a reliable and environmentally sustainable wastewater service, protect the environment on which we depend, prevent flooding from the sewer network, deliver value for money (particularly as ten of the most deprived boroughs in the UK are within our region) and support community wellbeing.

15 14 Introduction

What’s the scope of the DWMP?

This first DWMP will focus on three principal future scope of this DWMP as they’re considered in detail What level of detail will

pressures: climate change, population growth and within the price review process. DWMPs are iterated the DWMP cover? Level 1 Creating our first DWMP urban creep. This is not to diminish the importance every five years and as the DWMP framework Company-wide of the other pressures identified, but these three matures over time, in a similar way to the Water were recognised by our regulators and other national Resources Management Plan (WRMP) process, Geography stakeholders as being particularly critical drivers we anticipate the scope will also evolve to include Level 2 of change. Importantly, their impacts can also be broader future pressures and additional integrated We work in a highly diverse region, from the densely Regional TRFCC areas or forecast into the long term. stakeholder planning activities. populated commercial centre of London to the Catchment Partnership areas more rural, locally-focused communities in the Other aspects of short to medium-term wastewater Thames Valley. Therefore, creating a DWMP that Level 3 planning and business as usual are not within the works for everyone is a difficult, but vitally important, Individual STW catchments challenge. To simplify the geography of our DWMP, eg. Oxford STW we’ve broken it down into these four levels. Setting shared planning objectives • Planning for the impact of growth (population Level 4 increase and urban creep) and climate change on Risk areas within large London drainage and wastewater STW catchments • Co-creation of solutions DWMP • Assessment of long-term national forecasts amenable to co-creation of solutions PlanningLevel period 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Company-wide Regional TRFCC Individual Sewage Risk areas within In scope • Water company-owned assets for first cycle - DWMP Our DWMP is based on a 25-year planning horizon In developing the 25-year plan, we’ll apply three 2024. Assets owned by stakeholders incorporated into data area data or Treatment Works large London up to 2050. This will help us to fully understand planning periods appropriate to the potential later DWMP cycles Catchment (STW) catchment STW catchment

the future pressures affecting ourPartnership region and dataimpact ofdata each eg. identified Oxford risk. This willdata ensure we Our next steps their impacts on our service, customers and the fully understandSTW the progression of each risk on • PR24 business as usual environment in the long term. our region, their potential impact and investment medium-term planning requirement. • Forecasting changes to environmental legislation • Treatment, recycling and year year year DWMP scope DWMP disposal of sewage sludge • Addressing current odour horizon horizon horizon Out of complaints 5(2025-2030) 10(2025-2035) 25(2025-2050) • 5-yearly capital scope maintenance planning Work with us Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future

15 16 Introduction Creating our first DWMP Setting shared planning objectives Our next steps Work with us 18 questions detailed below, to a cross section of Level of Level below, to a cross section questions detailed requesting their views. Our aim was 2 stakeholders, (the 13 2 stakeholders to consult with our Level and our Catchment of the TRFCC sub-comittees to get a region-wide view. Partnerships) We also followed-up directly with stakeholders in directly with stakeholders also followed-up We those regions that didn’t respond to our consultation. Are there any other drivers that need to be considered in DWMP24? Are there any other drivers that need planning objectives are appropriate for DWMP24? Do you think Thames Water’s five Are there key projects in your area that should be part of DWMP planning? Are there any key data sets in your organisation, that you can share, that would enhance DWMP planning? In addition to our L2 forums, are we missing any other valuable stakeholder engagement opportunities? Inform our approach to the development of development our approach to the Inform our DWMP on the sharing of conversations vital Initiate datasets useful planning objectives our integrated Refine Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4 Question 5 • • • Our consultation period ran from autumn 2019 from period ran Our consultation received to end of January 2020. In this time we that across our region comments from stakeholder helped to: have Strategic Context consultation questions for stakeholders for questions consultation Context Strategic Collaborating with stakeholders to co-create planning objectives co-create to with stakeholders Collaborating Our next step was to seek stakeholder views on our was to seek stakeholder Our next step document, including the draft Context Strategic draft could and to discuss how we planning objectives, shared planning objectives work together to develop region. our for and the DWMP Strategic sent our draft In autumn 2019, we consultation document, including the five Context As our starting point for creating shared planning point for As our starting This framework*. the DWMP followed we objectives, should reflect the that planning objectives stated price commitments defined in previous performance to the contribution that provide a significant reviews outcomes. and wastewater of drainage achievement performance most relevant took our five We and themes, commitments, and their associated the DWMP developing used them as the basis for themes and measures we The high-level objectives. below. are outlined in the table selected Measure incidents Pollution Sewage treatment works compliance flooding Internal flooding in a storm Risk of sewer collapses Sewer

Common planning objectives (applied to all planning objectives Common level) at a national companies and reported (specific to our planning objectives Bespoke with developed company and regional priorities, at a and reported consultation stakeholder local level) local Asset health Resilience Property flooding Property Environment Theme

• • A planning objective represents a measurable goal represents a measurable A planning objective on long- is focused DWMP As the our DWMP. for the levels, planning at both national and local term two forms: take planning objectives What’s a planning objective? What’s High-level draft planning objectives themes and measures themes planning objectives draft High-level

planning objectives planning Setting shared Setting

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future 5 Introduction

Summary of stakeholder responses to consultation questions Sample stakeholder responses

Stakeholder consultation responses We greatly appreciated the stakeholder responses we However, all of the stakeholder responses will inform received throughout the consultation period. They our plans and where the response was outside of were detailed and covered a broad range of different the DWMP, or our remit, we’ve shared it with the Q3 issues, some of which we’re unable to forecast appropriate organisation(s). Here’s a sample of the Are there key stakeholder consultation responses we received. projects in your against in this first DWMP cycle for 2025-2030. Q2 area that should be Q4 Creating our first DWMP part of DWMP Are there any key Do you think planning? data sets in your Thames Water’s five organisation, that planning objectives you can share, are appropriate for that would enhance The planning objectives we We need to ensure that wider DWMP24? DWMP planning? are generally supportive of, we DWMP benefits are considered Q1 Q5 would just like to be involved at the optioneering stage Are there any other In addition to our L2 in the development of these such as links to minimising drivers that need to forums, are we be considered in missing any other metrics further so we can trust disruption to key transport DWMP24? Stakeholder valuable stakeholder engagement the outcomes. infrastructure. consultation opportunities? Setting shared planning objectives questions There is an opportunity to Broaden stakeholder learn lessons from previous engagement to highways authorities, Planning Community objectives Response & wellbeing regional flood risk and spatial TfL, local flood risk groups and themes strategies – the DWMP is new, Local Planning Authorities to make • Extend beyond • Link metrics to a but other similar activities have sure all relevant stakeholders are industry wider regional commitments wellbeing been undertaken. included. • Develop bespoke EnvironmentalEnvironmental Technology objectives to reflect Our next steps local issues • Provide detail • Embrace new behind draft technology objectives Technical Integrated Stakeholder What our stakeholders expect in our What our regulators expect in our coverage engagement • Encourage • Foster additional working innovation DWMP DWMP outcome measures • Integrate with other plans Overall, the consultation responses told us that We have also been consulting at a national level our stakeholders wanted a much broader range with our regulators. Through these discussions we • Encourage innovation of planning objectives to be incorporated into our know they expect our shared planning objectives to • Achieve • Manage odour • Continue • Be transparent on DWMP and measurable benefits. Our stakeholders address a balance of environmental and flooding carbon sharing data strategy and timeline in particular expect our plan to cover wider challenges. To achieve this we’ve developed a Work with us

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future neutrality • Reduce and models pollutions • Broaden engagement environmental issues such as carbon, and broader planning objective specifically focused on storm • Use green • Learn from materials • Maximise wider industry • Maximise existing community impacts, including evaluating wellbeing. overflow performance. We’re aware of Defra’s natural flood plans and resourcing in forthcoming Guiding Principles document in which • Continue management activities non-statutory phase developing we envisage their views and expectations will be • Ensure asset • Agree national green • Develop clearly set out. Once published, we’ll make sure our infrastructure resilience GIS/portal contacts DWMP aligns to these principles.

Stakeholder respondents: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, London Borough of Haringey, London Borough of Hillingdon, London Borough of Lambeth London Borough of Richmond and Wandsworth, London Borough of Southwark, Surrey County Council, Vision Redbridge Cultural and Leisure, Wiltshire Council, Wokingham Borough Council, EA - Hertfordshire and North London and Thames, South Central London TRFCC Partnership, Buckingham County Council, Greater London Authority (‘GLA’), North West London TRFCC, Partnership, EA - Kent and South, FWAG SouthWest (Gloucestershire team), Redbridge (Vision RCL), NWL partnership, Crane Valley Partnership and South East Rivers Trust (SERT) 19 20 Introduction

Translating stakeholder feedback into shared planning objectives

Informed by our stakeholder consultation responses In summer 2020, we agreed our DWMP’s final Theme Planning How we measure What we’re trying and expectations, we developed the following planning objectives with our regulators and wider objective this objective to achieve categories for our final DWMP planning objectives: stakeholders, as outlined in the table to the right. Modelled sewage treatment works Environment Sewage treatment works Creating our first DWMP quality compliance compliance against current permit • Six common objectives agreed with national As part of our five-year business planning cycle, we’ll quality conditions. To define the ability of STW to treat and DWMP stakeholders through an industry-level continue to develop and refine our list of planning dispose of sewage in line with the current Task and Finish group – identified in green objectives with input from our stakeholders. This will discharge permit quality conditions. • Two bespoke objectives amenable to long-term make sure our integrated priorities and investments Sewage treatment works flow Modelled compliance against Protection forecasting and modelling – identified in blue align, and we’re delivering the required outcomes for compliance daily DWF permit limit. of our • Four bespoke objectives not currently amenable the customers and communities we serve and the To define the ability of STW to treat and dispose of sewage in line with the current environment, to long-term forecasting and modelling, and special environment in which we operate. discharge permit dry weather flow (DWF) therefore considered as ‘outcome measures’ – conditions. looking after identified in shaded orange Risk of pollution incidents An average of the last three years of the health of annual performance for Category 1 to Setting shared planning objectives To define the risk of polluting discharges to 3 pollution incidents as set out in our rivers and the environment (classed as Category 1 to 3 Environmental Performance Agreed planning objectives for our DWMP 24 by the Environment Agency) arising from Assessment (EPA). aiming for zero either network or treatment sites. Wellbeing Risk of sewer flooding Storm overflow Carbon neutrality pollutions in a 1 in 50 year storm performance Storm overflow performance Modelled annual average frequency of discharge (number of events) To define the ability of the sewerage system from storm overflows using forecast (including STW) to operate in storm rainfall data. conditions with an acceptable frequency of overflow to the environment.

Sewage works Property Internal sewer flooding risk Two metrics: Collapses flooding 1. Risk assessed based on average of compliance To define the risk of properties flooding last three years performance data Our next steps internally from our sewers. 2. Modelled risk based on internal Development escape locations in a 1 in 30 year rainfall event. of our

External sewer flooding risk Modelled risk based on external wastewater External Dry weather escape locations in a 1 in 30 year sewer flooding flow compliance To define the risk to outside areas within a rainfall event. system to boundary curtilage flooding from our sewers. deliver a reliable and Risk of sewer flooding in a Percentage of residential properties Internal sewer 1 in 50 storm at risk of flooding in a 1 in 50 year efficient flooding rainfall event. To define the risk of residential properties service and to experiencing flooding in a storm that might be experienced once every 50 years on be resilient to Work with us

Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future average, equating to a 2% probability of the Reducing Pollution Reduce surface rainfall event occurring in any given year. the risks of misconnections incidents water runoff flooding Asset Health Sewer collapses An average of the last three years of annual performance. © Base image used with copyright permission. To define the risk of a sewer collapsing so that its ability to convey wastewater is compromised, specifically defined as the Key number of sewer collapses. Common objectives reported Bespoke objectives amenable Bespoke objectives not currently amenable Please note, this table does not reflect all of our shared planning as the outcome measures are currently under development. At this stage, these planning objectives nationally. For more information to long-term forecasting and to long-term forecasting and modelling, and have been used to understand the baseline condition and therefore, the level of risk we face. With the exception of those objectives that have established targets within our performance commitments, the other objectives do not have targets attached, although they are all critical to what we are trying to achieve overall. Once we have please click on this link modelling therefore considered as ‘outcome measures’ a better understanding of the baseline condition and future forecast performance, which will be established through this first iteration of the DWMP, we anticipate that further targets will be set in the future cycles of the DWMP process. 21 22 Introduction

As previously mentioned, there are four further stages Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve had to adapt Our next steps to complete as part of the national framework. We’re our approach to stakeholder engagement and continuing to engage our stakeholders throughout we’ll continue to do so to ensure we’re co-creating these stages and envisage Stage 4 of the DWMP a DWMP that positively shapes the future of The publication of this document marks our completion of process, the ‘Optioneering’ stage, will be the most wastewater in our region. Creating our first DWMP the first stage of the DWMP development process. intensive stage for stakeholder collaboration. More information about each of the DWMP stages can be found below, together with links to more detailed published information.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5

Strategic Risk-based Baseline-risk Options Programme Setting shared planning objectives Context catchment and vulnerability development appraisal screening assessment and appraisal Our final DWMP! Almost there... Programme evaluated and finalised Solution and Integrated ongoing review aligned to AMP cycle More steps... intervention Detailed analysis development and Next steps... and modelling of evaluation Our next steps High-level analysis of catchment risks Our first step... catchments risks (BRAVA) Consult on objectives For more information For more information and scope please click on this link please click on this link

Strategic Context RBCS maps shared Input into national document & shared BRAVA data & updated Final list of feasible DWMP published DWMP final publication Deliverable on the DWMP portal options for DWMP for consultation planning objectives on our website catchment maps Work with us Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future Timeline 2018-2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Stakeholder engagement Ongoing stakeholder engagement and partnership working

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Work with us Abbreviations & Creating our first DWMP We want to continue to draw on Please get in touch with us or provide feedback on this document by emailing our DWMP team at References your expertise and knowledge [email protected] and invite you to work further with us to meet the future needs For more information on our DWMP work or to share your views, please visit the DWMP portal on DWMP Drainage and Watewater Management Plans of drainage and wastewater our website here. services in our region. RMAs Risk Management Authorities TRFCC Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Setting shared planning objectives BRAVA Baseline Risk and Vulnerability Assessment RBCS Risk Based Catchment Screening STW Sewage Treatment Works WRMP Water Resources Management Plan

The key reference sources and publications that have informed this document are:

• Working together to improve drainage and • Dynamic adaptive policy pathways: A method for Our next steps environmental water quality. An overview of crafting robust decisions for a deeply uncertain world. Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan, 2019. Marjolijn Haasnoot, Jan H.Kwakkel, Warren E.Walker, Commissioned by Water UK in collaboration with Judith ter Maatd, Volume 23, Issue 2, 2013. Defra, Welsh Government, Ofwat, Environment • BRAVA planning objectives for the first cycle of Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Consumer Council DWMPs, Water UK, 2020. for Water, ADEPT and Blueprint for Water. • Planning objectives image used with copyright • Water UK DWMP webpage. permission. © Fig 5.1 and 10.3 base image from • London 2100: The case for change. Sets out the Retrofitting to manage surface water, Digman, future challenges that require our planning of C, Ashley, R, Balmforth, D, Balmforth, D, Stovin V, Work with us wastewater services to change. Thames Water, 2017. Glerum, J,CIRIA, 2012. Thames Water Shaping our wastewater future • ANTICIPATE, REACT, RECOVER - Resilient infrastructure systems, The National Infrastructure Commission, 2020.

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