In a major industry move to combat pollution, Thames Water stands out for not joining a £180 million initiative aimed at reducing sewage spills in England's waterways.
Jack Simpson reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Thames Water has not committed to the government's £180 million initiative to reduce pollution, despite being one of the biggest polluters.
- Other companies, including Anglian Water and United Utilities, have pledged substantial investments towards combating sewage spills.
- The initiative includes installing in-sewer monitors, adding wastewater staff, implementing AI for storm water management, and accelerating wetland programs.
Key quote:
"The amount of sewage being spilled into our rivers is completely unacceptable and the public rightly expects action."
— Steve Barclay, environment decretary
Why this matters:
This refusal by Thames Water to join the national effort underscores the challenges in addressing the UK's longstanding sewage spill problem. The impact of sewage pollution on natural ecosystems and biodiversity is profound, and critics have pointed to the privatization of England and Wales's water network, leading to years of under-investment and mismanagement, and an inability of dry ground to absorb excess water, necessitating sewage discharges to prevent flooding.
