Thames Water Faces Investigation over Late Delivery of Environmental Schemes

By Evans Momodu
1 minute read

Thames Water is under investigation by Ofwat for failing to meet deadlines on more than 100 environmental improvement projects.

The company, already struggling with a £19bn debt burden, has admitted it is unlikely to complete all 812 promised schemes by the March 2025 deadline.

The projects fall under the Water Industry National Environmental Programme (WINEP) for the 2020-2025 period.

Ofwat is assessing whether Thames Water has breached its legal obligations, with potential fines of up to 10% of its annual turnover.

At the same time, Thames Water is facing mounting financial pressure. The company has warned it could run out of money by next month unless it secures new funding. A High Court battle between bondholders has left its preferred rescue plan uncertain.

Customers are also set to see significant bill increases to fund infrastructure improvements. The average water and wastewater bill across England and Wales is expected to rise from £480 to £603 in 2025/26, with Thames Water customers facing a 31% increase to £639.

A Thames Water spokesperson acknowledged the investigation, stating the company will cooperate fully. They emphasized that cost increases have impacted project delivery and reassured customers they would not be charged twice for already funded investments.
Source: Sky news