Industries
There are many different industries along the Thames. Factories are the most obvious but there are other industries too. Most of the big factories are to be found between London and the Mouth of the Thames.
Rivers for Water
Two-thirds of the water used in Britain comes from rivers and lakes, and a third from groundwater. Perhaps surprisingly, water for cooling in electricity generating stations is the biggest use, followed by waster for domestic purposes, fish farming and industrial uses.
Power Stations
Power Stations along the Thames take cold water from the Thames and return most of it after use. The water is used to cool the machines.
A great deal of the world's electricity is produced in power stations that burn fuel to boil water - creating steam. The steam turns turbines that make electricity.
Tilbury Power Station
Drinking Water
The second largest use of river water is for the public water supply. The Thames and Lee provide 90 per cent of London's water.
Water for Industries
The industrial uses of water are numerous. Steel mills, breweries, paper makers and many other industrial processes use river water or groundwater for their trade.
Other uses of Rivers
Rivers for Tourism
People come from all over the world to visit places like London, Windsor and Oxford. They spend a lot of money in shops and restaurants.
Rivers for Leisure
Angling (fishing) is arguably Britain's most popular sport.The River Thames is home to some 120 fish species. In the non-tidal Thames, Roach, Chub, Perch, Pike and Bream can all be found along the whole of the river.
Motorboats are common on the Thames. There are also rowers and canoeists making good use of the river. In the non-tidal Thames, canal boats are a common site.
The long distance footpath along the Thames open up the riverbank to walkers.
Rivers as Ports
Ports and shipyards are constructed by the sea or by tidal rivers to allow easy access for their ships. King Henry VIII founded yards at Woolwich and Deptford in 1512 and 1513 respectively.
| Start of Voyage down the Thames | Contents Page | Introduction |
| Facts about the Thames | Flooding | Thames Basin |
| Pollution | Erosion | Tributaries |
| Industries | ||
 © Copyright - please readAll the materials on these pages are free for homework and classroom use only. You may not redistribute, sell or place the content of this page on any other website or blog without written permission from the author Mandy Barrow. |
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