Coppermills Water Treatment Works

Coppermills Water Treatment Works is a water processing facility in the Lea Valley that handles large volumes of water through multiple treatment stages daily. The site uses rectangular tanks with sand for rapid gravity filtration plus additional specialized beds to purify the water before it reaches homes.

The location started as a medieval watermill and later became a powder mill and copper processing works. Its transformation into a modern water treatment facility began in the mid-1800s.

The site connects to the Walthamstow Wetlands project and welcomes visitors to explore its Italian tower for learning about water and nature. This tower represents how industrial infrastructure can blend with conservation efforts in the community.

Visitors can explore the Italian tower and learn about water treatment, particularly when walking through the adjacent wetlands. The best experience comes in calm weather when the surrounding areas are fully accessible.

The facility taps into water from several sources including the River Lea, the New River, and the Thames via a connecting main pipe. This multi-source system ensures reliable supply to London residents.

Inception: 1969

GPS coordinates: 51.57650,-0.04610

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00