Two concrete and metal structures will be built on the banks of the Thames under a controversial scheme by Thames Water, which has come under fire from residents, MPs and councillors.

Residents queuing for their say on the scheme.

The company has outlined a scheme that would involving draining up to 75 million litres of water a day from the Thames some 350 metres upstream of Teddington Weir.

The water would be taken during periods of drought, when the river is likely to be low, and transported via pipeline and tunnel under the capital to reservoirs in east London.

Thames Water said this water would be replaced with treated effluent from the Mogden sewage works, which would be transported some 15km through a new pipeline.

This would enter the Thames some 140 closer to the Weir and would, in theory, be sufficient to maintain the flow and height of the river so that boats can safely navigate the

The company argues the scheme is the cheapest and quickest way for it to combat the effect of climate change and future droughts by ensuring it collects enough water to ensure the taps do not run dry.

However, the scheme has raised fears for the impact on river life, fish, insects and plants, because it will change the water temperature and its chemical make-up.

Images provided to Nub News show the scheme will also need the building of what many may consider to be an eyesore at the point where the water would be abstracted from the Thames.

This will involve the construction of a large concrete platform with even higher black metal cages and various screens and mechanical plant.

The point where the Mogden effluent is pumped into the river would mainly be via a pipeline below the river bank, however it will still require the construction of a small promontory.

A recent public exhibition about the scheme brought long queues from people concerned about the proposal.

The borough's two MPs, Munira Wilson, and Sarah Olney, along with Richmond councillors, have raised questions about the scheme and demanded a series of public meetings to allow people to air their views.

Critics have said Thames Water should concentrate its efforts on reducing the 635 million litres of tap water it loses every day through leaks, which equates to 25% of its supply.

A motion from Cllr James Chard was unanimously passed by Richmond Council.

It stated: "Council is concerned by Thames Water's proposals to abstract water from the Thames in the Borough, and to replace it with treated effluent from Mogden Sewage Treatment Works.

"Council considers that, in addition to significant unplanned discharges from Mogden, the proposals threaten to undermine progress in improving Thames water quality.

"Council calls on Thames Water to work closely with this Council (and other affected local authorities) regarding environmental and ecological concerns, and to prioritise a step change in investment in water conservation and leak reduction over flawed quick fixes."

Thames Water told Nub News: "The proposed new abstraction intake would be sited on the north bank of River Thames, around 350m upstream of Teddington Wier.

"The intake would have screens to remove sand or silts and an eel screen, there will also be a cabinet for pumping equipment. There would be further work on the aesthetics of the design in consultation with stakeholders and local community."

It said: "The outfall would also be on the river bank upstream of Teddington Weir, but around 140m downstream of the intake.

"The outfall structure would be designed to reduce the discharge velocity into the river to minimise disturbance to the aquatic life in the river.

"It would be a buried structure, with access covers for maintenance and a small wharf which would extend over the river edge to prevent access and accumulation of debris.

"Again the design will be further developed through feedback from modelling results and conversations with regulatory authorities and local communities."

The firm added: "We are at an early stage of design of the scheme, if the scheme is taken forward to planning consent we would undertake more detailed assessments including an Environmental Impact Assessment and would undertake engagement and consultation with stakeholders and local communities as part of the consenting process."