Boris withdraws Mayoral challenge to Thames Water

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Boris Johnson has withdrawn a legal challenge to the Government's decision to grant planning permission for the desalination plant, in what David Owens, CEO of Thames Water, called a "victory for common sense".

Owens said, "Our draft Water Resources Management Plan published only last week highlights how London's rapidly growing population will be at increased risk of water restrictions in future droughts if we don't have additional sources of water.

"The desalination plant is a vital part of our response to this situation, and we are committed to getting it built as quickly as possible, so it is available to provide more safe, clean drinking water to Londoners by 2010.

"Desalination is a more energy intensive process than conventional water treatment processes, which is why we have committed to only running the plant when it is essential, and to providing 100 per cent of the power needed to run it from renewable energy.

"We are encouraged that the Mayor has dealt with this issue so early in his time in office, and hope to enjoy as productive a relationship with him as we did his predecessor. We look forward to working closely with him on a number of environmental initiatives which will improve lives for Londoners."