Thames Water Boss Unveils the Challenges of Eliminating Pollution Incidents

By Evans Momodu
3 minute read


Thames Water CEO Chris Weston has acknowledged the challenges of eliminating pollution incidents from the company's network, stating it would be "almost impossible" to achieve complete eradication. He called for a public debate about the substantial costs required to address the issue comprehensively.

Weston’s remarks come as Thames Water grapples with a critical period; seeking court approval for a £3 billion bridging loan to stay afloat, and awaiting regulator Ofwat’s decision on customer bill increases. These measures are pivotal for reassuring potential investors and managing the company’s nearly £16 billion debt.

Pollution incidents in the Thames Water network rose by 40% according to its interim results, compounding public and political frustration over sewage discharges into rivers. While these discharges are a failsafe mechanism in the ageing Victorian sewer system, they have drawn increasing scrutiny and calls for reform.

The government recently proposed tougher measures, including potential imprisonment for water company executives who obstruct investigations or violate pollution regulations.

Weston highlighted the system's limitations, explaining that even with the Thames Tideway Tunnel—an ambitious 25km infrastructure project set to reduce sewage overflows—some incidents will persist. The tunnel is scheduled to open next year, diverting waste away from the Thames.

Public dissatisfaction is likely to intensify as the company seeks to balance the need for investment with proposed customer bill hikes of up to 50%. Critics argue that past prioritisation of investor returns over infrastructure investment has exacerbated the current crisis.

Weston’s assertion that "the system is working as it was designed to" reflects the inherent shortcomings of an ageing network, but his call for a national discussion on the cost of resolving pollution issues underscores the broader challenge of modernising critical infrastructure amid financial and environmental pressures.
Source: Sky news