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Photo by Melanie MYou wouldn't think it at first glance, but London is a 'water-stressed' city. According to the UK Environmental Agency, with an ever-growing population, climate change and occasional 'drought conditions' (yes, they can happen in the UK), the capital is often short on drinking water. However, there is now a solution, and it's one generally favored by more arid countries than old, wet Blighty - a desalination plant. Opening this week, the Thames Gateway Water Treatment Works will, if called upon, convert saltwater from the Thames into drinking water. It will only be used in times when water production falls to a certain level during 'hotter-than-usual' months, but when fired up it will be capable of producing around 140 million liters a day - enough water for <b>1 million people</b>.1
Photo by SpamdanglerYou wouldn't think it at first glance, but London is a 'water-stressed' city. According to the UK Environmental Agency, with an ever-growing population, climate change and occasional 'drought conditions' (yes, they can happen in the UK), the capital is often short on drinking water. However, there is now a solution, and it's one generally favored by more arid countries than old, wet Blighty - a desalination plant. Opening this week, the Thames Gateway Water Treatment Works will, if called upon, convert saltwater from the Thames into drinking water. It will only be used in times when water production falls to a certain level during 'hotter-than-usual' months, but when fired up it will be capable of producing around 140 million liters a day - enough water for <b>1 million people</b>.2
The River ThamesYou wouldn't think it at first glance, but London is a 'water-stressed' city. According to the UK Environmental Agency, with an ever-growing population, climate change and occasional 'drought conditions' (yes, they can happen in the UK), the capital is often short on drinking water. However, there is now a solution, and it's one generally favored by more arid countries than old, wet Blighty - a desalination plant. Opening this week, the Thames Gateway Water Treatment Works will, if called upon, convert saltwater from the Thames into drinking water. It will only be used in times when water production falls to a certain level during 'hotter-than-usual' months, but when fired up it will be capable of producing around 140 million liters a day - enough water for <b>1 million people</b>.3
