39. Walthamstow wetlands sponsored walk, 1 October 2023

Trustees of the Water Conservation Trust, company members, friends and family met up at the Engine House cafe for a walk led by Past Master Rob Casey. The fortification proved necessary. After an initial briefing we set off alongside one of the many reservoirs.  We looked out for wildlife as we walked.  We were ably assisted by staff and students from Queen Mary, University of London. Their interests included earth worms and scorpions and we might have seen both.

We stopped to study the water abstraction point and the continuous operation of the screen rake.  Rob explained how the reservoirs were used and about the pipeline bringing water from the Thames as there was insufficient flow year all round in the river Lea.

We then took a closer look at the water treatment plant and Rob described the role of the slow filter beds and the treatments used to polish the water supply.


After a stop to play Pooh sticks we took a longer walk back to see where the Thames water arrived on site courtesy of huge shaft pumps. We understood why the water industry is a significant energy user.  Some of us finally stopped at a convenient pub for a late lunch.

Thanks to everyone for walking and for giving generously.  Thanks especially to Rob for organising a grand day out which was a winner for the Water Conservation Trust.

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