A water pump and borehole on a Rotherhithe dock will be fixed to stop the damaging weed and algae covering the surface.
British Land, the developers behind the Canada Water masterplan, the biggest building project in Southwark’s history, are rehabilitating the pump and borehole as part of the scheme and putting in a new drainage system that will capture and filter rainwater from surrounding areas.
Once working properly again, the equipment will supply fresh groundwater into Canada Water Dock, along with the urban drainage system, to raise water levels and improve water quality in the dock.
British Land said the higher water level will help re-establish the wetland ecosystem along the western edge of the dock. Higher water levels in the dock will also restore water flows through Albion Channel and Surrey Water, which will improve water quality and oxygenation in those water bodies. This in turn should reduce algae blooms and contamination leading to a healthier ecosystem in the wider water network.
Michael Delfs, development executive at British Land, said: “Rehabilitating the aquifer pump and implementing a new sustainable urban drainage system as part of the Canada Water Masterplan gives us an opportunity to improve water levels, water quality, and water circulation, enhancing the health of the wetland ecosystem within the Dock, as well as within the wider water network of Albion Channel and Surrey Water.
Volunteers clear harmful weed from Rotherhithe canal to save fish
“To facilitate this, we are working closely with the London Wildlife Trust and Southwark Council to create a flagship example of an urban wetland habitat and conservation project.”
Volunteers led by the Surrey Docks Angling Club recently spent a Saturday cleaning the weed out of the Albion Channel.