Amazon Web Services (AWS) aims to be water positive by 2030, returning more water to communities than it uses in its direct operations.
Together with Amazon Web Services (AWS), The Rivers Trust and Action for the River Kennet (ARK) are addressing growing water scarcity and declining water quality in the Thames River basin by building two wetlands in the Kennet Valley. The wetlands will recharge 179,968 m³ of groundwater per year and improve water quality by receiving and treating polluted runoff from farms and roadways.
“We're increasingly seeing new technologies and solutions that can fundamentally change how we address water challenges. Working with NGOs like The Rivers Trust allows us to create long lasting and sustainable infrastructure, such as wetlands, while also giving back to nature and the local community.”
Will Hewes
Water Sustainability Lead at Amazon Web Services
The Rivers Trust, ARK and AWS employees came together in 2023 and planted a mixture of oxygenating, floating, marginal and marsh plants. These plants play an important role in storing and cleaning water and restoring biodiversity.
The two wetlands will provide long-lasting and effective benefits to surrounding villages within the North Wessex Downs Area of Natural Beauty, as wetlands help to retain rainwater and so mitigate climate issues such as flooding. They also offer a green space for both locals and wildlife to enjoy.
AWS are also jointly funding a project in Ireland with Meta that will help to restore water-stressed regions and support the communities’ local water supply whilst also restoring local habitats and wildlife.
Case Study: Water Stewardship in the Kennet Valley
In the Kennet Valley, Action for The River Kennet and Amazon Web Services have created two new integrated constructed wetlands to address the issues of water scarcity and declining water quality in the Thames Basin.