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Water is a strong and distinctive feature across Ebbsfleet Garden City and takes a variety of forms in the landscape. The most prominent water feature is the River Thames. The River Thames connects the Garden City to the sea, the city of London, and other prominent inland settlements. The River Thames and its estuary is also a defining characteristic of Swanscombe peninsula - due to its flat and low lying landform, the river’s water fluctuation, and the open views of the Thames.

Another key hydrological element in the Garden City is Ebbsfleet River. While the river currently remains largely hidden, it is the defining hydrological feature of Ebbsfleet Valley and the development of Ebbsfleet Garden City will dramatically impact the quality and amount of surface water running into the river.

Other hydrological focal points include the lakes created by quarrying and later restoration work. Blue Lake and Castle Hill Lake are already major assets for Ebbsfleet Garden City, and a planned third lake in Eastern Quarry will add further to the recreational value of the landscape. Collectively, Ebbsfleet River and the inland lakes form a strong basis for connecting the Garden City’s public realm.