More than two billion litres of raw sewage were dumped in the River Thames over two days in 2021.[1] What work has Thames Water undertaken since then to prevent similar incidents happening, and to keep London’s iconic River Thames clean and safe to use?
In 2022, the Environment Agency scored Thames Water two stars (out of four) for its performance on Environmental Performance in 2021, including 12 serious pollution incidents.[2]
However, media reports indicate that Thames Water has £14 billion in debt, and that emergency contingency plans were being formulated by government to secure more funding.[3]
On 4 July 2023, Thames Water was fined £3.3m for pumping ‘millions of litres’ of undiluted sewage into rivers near Gatwick in East Sussex in 2017. Prosecutions of Thames Water by the Environment Agency for pollution incidents have now led to fines of £35.7m between 2017 and 2023.[4]
Whilst water surveys of the Thames have concluded that its quality is stable, 92% of samples have revealed a significant presence of coliform bacteria,[5] which can lead to serious illnesses such as gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. Coliform bacteria get into rivers from untreated sewage.[6]
The London Assembly Environment Committee will meet tomorrow for the first of two meetings investigating London’s waters, looking at pollution, the long-term water supply available in London and any risks associated with the two issues. Thames Water will also be questioned on the recent issues regarding their financial position and long-term sustainability.
The meeting will also include an update on Solar Together London, with delivery partner for the scheme, iChoosr, being questioned over the significant issues Green Energy Together UK (GET UK) have caused and continue to cause for Londoners.
Guests at the meeting include:
Panel 1 – Solar Together update (10am – 10.40am):
Panel 1A: (Approximately 20mins)
- Richard Watts, Deputy Chief of Staff, GLA
- Catherine Barber, Assistant Director, Environment and Energy, GLA
- Dr Austin Entonu MBE, Head of Energy, GLA
Panel 1B (Approximately 20mins)
- Cas Bijlholt, Chief Executive Officer, iChoosr
- Marie-Louise Abretti, Business Manger Solar, iChoosr
Panel 2 – London’s water (11am – 1pm) :
- Cathryn Ross, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Thames Water
- Debbie Leach, Chief Executive, Thames21
- Bella Davies, Chief Executive, South East Rivers Trust
- Dan Bicknell, Adaptation Manager, GLA
- James Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, River Action
The meeting will take place on Tuesday 11 July from 10am, in The Chamber, at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
Follow us @LondonAssembly.
Notes to editors
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- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-60046320
- Water and sewerage companies in England: environmental performance summary graphic 2021 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66039170
- Rivers polluted by “reckless” Thames Water
- Water Quality Results - Thames21
- Water | Free Full-Text | Relationship between Coliform Bacteria and Water Quality Factors at Weir Stations in the Nakdong River, South Korea (mdpi.com)
- Full agenda papers.
- Léonie Cooper AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Environment Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Tony Smyth in the Assembly Media Office on 07510 488715. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.