STATE-of-the-art equipment has been installed in one of the Environment Agency’s pumping stations in Thamesmead to protect homes and businesses in the town from flooding.
The Lake 4 pumping station, next to the River Thames flood defences in Central Way, is an essential part of the drainage system of the Marsh Dykes flood catchment.
Now the station, which can pump 8,000 litres of water per second, has been provided with a new electrical control system.
More than 700 houses and 16.5 acres of commercial property are protected from flooding by its pumps.
Environment Agency project manager Ian Mawdsley said: “Although Thamesmead is well defended, it is still vulnerable as the land is lower than the level in the River Thames at certain stages of the tide.”
The station uses four Archimedean screw pumps to draw the water above the river defences and discharge it into the river.
Mr Mawdsley added: “The pumping station is vital to the future development of Thamesmead and the surrounding community.”
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