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• From the Romans to the Ring Main

Navigate the surprising and fascinating twists and turns of the history of London's water supply with Rob Casey from Thames Water.

Thursday 7 April, 18.00 for 18:30-20:30
The Chemistry Centre, London W1J 0BA

In London major trunk mains, commissioned by Water Companies who ceased trading over 100 years ago, operate alongside modern assets such the Thames Water Ring Main commissioned in the 1990’s. Hence legacy plays an important part in way the current supply system operates. But London’s water supply has a rich and interesting history that goes back, not just a hundred, but almost 2,000 years to when the Romans originally founded the city.

Rob's talk will focus on key people who have played a part in providing water to the capital, plus key decisions and innovations where London has led the industry. He will also tell people places where they can visit to find out more. 

Rob Casey has previously given presentations on the history of London's water supply to local societies, institutions and at various water conferences.

 

 

WATCH THIS LECTURE

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Comments (3)

• Oliver March 25, 2011 at 09:45 AM

  Will like to navigate surprising and fascinating
  twists and turn of history of London Water supply with Rob Casey from Thames Water

• John Weir April 7, 2011 at 08:00 PM

  Excellent idea to get these lectures streamed on the net.
  It's a slight pity that the slides for net viewers weren't always synchronised properly.
  Point for Rob: He talked about Sorocolds 6 sail Windmill being unusual because windmills had only 4 as a norm. Here in Lincolnshire there is a windmill at Heckington which has 8 sails and which was still working until fairly recently.
  
  Overall - a very good watch. Thank you

• Revd Derek Hinge April 7, 2011 at 08:14 PM

  I think more emphasis could have been given to the water quality aspects of London's supply. The New River's source was originally at Chadwell Spring and was later extended back to draw water from the River Lee at Hertford. The R. Lee, like the R.Thames, contains the effluent from sewage treatment facilites at major towns in its catchment. Accordingly, very strict legal and operational control is necessary to keep river water quality at a high standard. In fact the practice of River Basin Management has allowed Thames Water and its predecessors to pioneer water re-use to the benefit of a major city that has grown up near the estuary of its major river.