RCL26 Show Floor Hubs

The Future Energy and Water Systems Team in the London borough of Tower Hamlets is currently developing a new water offset scheme to mitigate the water impacts of new development to be delivered under our new Local Plan. London is already water stressed region and the Environment agency predicts the southeast will have a water supply deficit of 876 million litres of water per day by 2029 rising to just over 2 and a half billion by 2050. On top of this The July 2021 floods highlighted London’s vulnerability to flooding caused by extreme rainfall. Subsequent research has shown that these events could have happened anywhere in London if the intense rains had fallen in different locations. With climate change affecting rainfall patterns and sea levels, such are set to increase in frequency, intensity and over larger affected areas. The water offset scheme will require new developments to cut water use and surface water discharges. If they can prove they cannot do this on-site, developers can then pay an offset. These ringfenced funds will support water‑efficiency and sustainable drainage projects across the council’s estate and public highways.