One of the major resources is drinking water provided by Thames Water whose area
of responsibility covers the length of the River Thames. The Thames Water Ring Main is the main distribution mechanism for water in London with one major loop linking theHampton, Walton, Ashford and Kempton Water Treatment Works to central London.In the past, commercial activities on the Thames included fishing, coppicing willows which provided wood
for many purposes including osiers, and running watermills for flour and paper production and metal beating. These activities have disappeared, although there was a proposal to build a hydro plant atRomney Lock to power Windsor Castle. As of January 2008, this scheme appears to have been abandoned.The Thames is popular for riverside housing whether in high rise flats in central London or chalets on the banks and islands up stream. The river has its own residents dwelling on houseboats, typically aroundBrentford and Tagg's Island.
