Thames Among UK’s Worst-Polluting Water Firms as Incidents Rise

Thames Water was among Britain’s most-polluting water companies last year as the total number of serious incidents jumped 60%, the Environment Agency said Thursday.

Thames’ failure to improve its environmental performance, as well as sky-high debts, have left the firm in crisis. Its creditors are locked in talks with the industry regulator to rescue the utility from financial collapse, and have called for special treatment for the beleaguered company on sewage fines.

The increase in pollution piles more pressure on the whole sector, with overall environmental-performance ratings sliding to the lowest since the assessments began in 2011. Thames, Southern Water and Yorkshire Water were responsible for 81% of the serious incidents, the Environment Agency said.

Britain’s water companies have come under intense scrutiny in recent years as they fail to stem chronic leaks and sewage spills, leaving infrastructure crumbling while paying out hefty dividends and hiking customer bills.

The government wants to make it easier to fine water companies that harm the environment. It’s consulting on plans to allow the Environment Agency to impose quick penalties of as much as £500,000 ($668,000), it said Tuesday.

Photograph: Sewage is discharged into Earlswood brook from the nearby treatment works, run by Thames Water on April 13, 2023 in South Earlswood, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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