The River Thames Scheme launches a Downstream Measures Campaign

The River Thames Scheme (RTS) is a flood alleviation scheme, that will reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of homes, businesses and vital infrastructure.

How will the River Thames Scheme reduce flood risk?

The scheme flood channel reduces flood risk by providing a secondary flow route for water to pass downstream. This channel is being developed in two sections passing through the boroughs of Runnymede and Spelthorne in Surrey.

In addition to the two sections of the channel, what other measures will reduce flood risk to residents and businesses?

There are measures that are happening downstream from the two sections of the channel; capacity improvements and today, Thursday 25 April sees the RTS launch a communications campaign highlighting the downstream measures looking to be implemented as part of scheme's proposed design.

During our Statutory Consultation events in early 2024, the interactions and discussions we had with the public, saw certain themes emerging. One prominent theme was frequent questions asked on the downstream measures being implemented as part of the current design of the RTS.

These downstream measures will reduce the risk of flooding while unlocking the economic and environmental benefits of the river between Egham and Teddington. The scheme also aims to respond to the challenges of climate change and nature recovery.

We are keen to ensure that concise information is shared in relation to the development of these downstream measures, how these have come to fruition through years of detailed flooding modelling and the benefits these measures will bring to the wider scheme.

We are looking for our campaign to further clarify how the water will flow downstream as a result of the scheme, how the water is managed and where it goes. Our campaign will address in detail, all the downstream measures that benefit the whole scheme area.

Jeanne Capey, Project Director of the River Thames Scheme said, "Across the project, we have been impressed by the knowledge and understanding residents and businesses living within the scheme area have, and we are keen to continue to enhance their understanding of the scheme as it develops and unfolds. I am pleased we are focussing a spotlight on the downstream measures of the scheme in response to people's questions on flood risk."

Stay updated

Visit our bespoke downstream measures page for more information on proposed plans. Our flood modelling report (PDF) findings show there is no increase in flood risk to communities either upstream or downstream of the channels.

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