Mayor Launches £1.8bn Plan to Clean London's Rivers

Sir Sadiq Khan launched his £1.8 billion Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan at Hackney’s West Reservoir on 30 July 2026. The 10-year initiative aims to make London’s 600 kilometres of rivers and waterways swimmable and support thriving wildlife. The Mayor attributed the current state of the capital’s rivers to decades of neglect by water companies.

The West Reservoir, located at Woodberry Down, has undergone upgrades and now offers open water swimming, sailing, and kayaking. This transformation serves as a model for the wider plan. City Hall has committed an additional £2.7 million, supplementing £13.5 million already allocated. Partners, including Thames Water, will provide the remaining funding.

Read Next in News London3 min read

London Mayor to retain portion of income tax and business rates

The Prime Minister confirmed the devolution plan as Chancellor prepares to present the first budget of the new government this autumn.

Water Company Investment

Thames Water has agreed to invest £1.7 billion over the next five years to address sewage pollution. Sir Sadiq Khan stated that this commitment acknowledges the consequences of the company's past actions. He highlighted that sewage discharge in 2023 was five times higher than in 2022, a situation he described as unacceptable. The plan also incorporates the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, which is expected to reduce storm overflow into sewers by approximately 95%.

The Mayor described the plan as the most ambitious of its kind globally. He emphasised the need to reverse the decline in river quality, reduce pollution, revive nature, and restore public access. The plan targets 10 strategic locations, including the Upper Lea Valley and Lower Lea Valley bordering Hackney.

Related Borough Coverage5 min read

Diane Abbott readmitted to Labour after year-long suspension

Hackney MP receives formal warning for tweet conflating Israel’s military with Jewish community

Local Context and Behaviour

The launch event was attended by Mete Coban, the Mayor’s deputy mayor for environment and energy, who previously served as Hackney Council’s cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport. The Mayor also suggested that human behaviour contributes to river pollution, urging Londoners to adopt a more responsible attitude towards the city’s blue spaces. He stressed the importance of good design, adequate facilities, and clear signage to encourage public ownership and care for these areas.

Sir Sadiq Khan explained that accountability for the 10 strategic locations will be managed through a system of shared responsibility among different councils and community organisations, ensuring checks and balances are in place.