Briefings – March for Clean Water

1st November 2024

Thames Rivers Trust – Briefing Document: Thames Water, Sewage Discharges and the March for Clean Water

1. Background on Thames Water’s Performance Regarding Water Quality

Thames Water has faced consistent criticism for its handling of water quality in the Thames and surrounding areas. A series of pollution incidents, infrastructure issues, and regulatory breaches have raised serious concerns about its environmental stewardship and operational priorities. 

Key Issues: 

• Sewage Pollution: Thames Water has frequently discharged untreated or partially treated sewage into rivers, harming ecosystems and public health. In 2022, more than 25% of raw sewage incidents in England were attributed to Thames Water alone. 

• Fines and Regulatory Actions: The company has incurred heavy fines, including a £4 million penalty in 2021 for sewage spills in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, which impacted both local wildlife and water quality. 

• Aging Infrastructure and Leakage: An outdated, leakage-prone system limits Thames Water’s ability to deliver clean water reliably. Despite targets to reduce leaks, underinvestment in repairs and upgrades has left the infrastructure vulnerable. 

• Poor Financial Management: High executive bonuses and shareholder dividends have been prioritized over environmental investments, drawing criticism that Thames Water’s financial practices put profit over sustainable water management. 

• Environmental and Health Impacts: Frequent sewage spills have degraded water quality, harming aquatic habitats and species and posing health risks for people using rivers for recreation. 

• Public and Regulatory Pressure: Thames Water is now under regulatory scrutiny from Ofwat, and public frustration has spurred action, including calls for transparency and stricter regulations. 

Despite pledges to reduce pollution incidents by 50% by 2030, Thames Water has made slow progress on meaningful changes. Ongoing scrutiny and public demands for accountability continue to highlight the urgent need for reform. 

 

2. Causes of Sewage Discharges in the Thames

Several interconnected factors contribute to the frequency of sewage discharges by Thames Water: 

Aging Infrastructure and Deferred Maintenance 

• Combined Sewer Systems: Much of Thames Water’s sewer infrastructure dates back to the Victorian era, where combined sewer systems handle both stormwater and sewage. These systems struggle with modern wastewater volumes, leading to frequent overflows during heavy rain. 

• Deferred Upgrades: Limited investment in upgrades has led to a higher risk of blockages, leaks, and breakdowns in the sewage network. 

Heavy Rainfall and Climate Change 

• Storm Overflows: Heavy rain often overwhelms combined sewers, triggering storm overflow events that release untreated sewage to prevent sewage backups in homes. 

• Increased Rainfall Frequency: Climate change has intensified weather events, making sewer overflows more common during even moderate rain. 

Population Growth and Urbanization 

• Increased Demand: Population growth in urban areas has led to higher volumes of household and industrial wastewater, which existing systems can’t efficiently process. 

• More Impermeable Surfaces: Urban development has reduced the ground’s ability to absorb rainwater, further burdening sewers and making overflow events more likely. 

Operational Challenges 

• Limited Treatment Capacity: Many treatment plants lack the capacity to manage peak sewage volumes, causing untreated sewage to bypass treatment when capacity limits are reached. 

• Blockages from Waste: Public practices like flushing non-biodegradable materials increase blockages, adding to sewer system inefficiencies. 

Regulatory Loopholes 

• Permitted Discharges: Current regulations allow sewage discharges in emergencies, but lack of oversight means water companies could exploit these provisions, discharging sewage more frequently than intended. 

Financial Constraints and Profit Prioritization 

• Profit Over Infrastructure: Deferred investments in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades have contributed to overflows and discharges, raising calls for Thames Water to prioritize long-term environmental health over shareholder profits. 

 

3. The March for Clean Water: Purpose and Importance

The March for Clean Water on November 3rd is essential because it brings together communities, environmental groups, and advocates to demand stronger action on water pollution and protection measures. Clean water is a fundamental right, yet pollution from sewage, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and plastic continues to degrade water quality in rivers, lakes, and oceans, affecting both ecosystems and human health. Here are a few key reasons why this march is crucial: 

• Environmental Protection: Polluted water harms aquatic life and damages ecosystems, affecting biodiversity. Healthy water systems are essential for maintaining fish populations, protecting endangered species, and ensuring resilient habitats. 

• Climate Change Resilience: As climate change intensifies, so does the risk of extreme weather events and droughts, which threaten water availability. Clean, well-managed water resources help ecosystems and communities adapt to these pressures. 

• Policy and Accountability: The march shines a light on the need for government agencies and industries to be accountable and enforce water quality standards. It also pushes for policy changes and better funding to protect waterways from pollution. 

• Future Generations: Ensuring clean water now safeguards this precious resource for future generations, allowing them to enjoy and benefit from healthy rivers, lakes, and seas. 

The march symbolizes a call for urgent action to protect clean water sources and promote sustainable practices that safeguard water quality in the face of current and future challenges. 

4. The Independent Water Commission: Purpose and Goals

In response to ongoing issues with the UK’s water sector, including pollution, infrastructure deficiencies, and public dissatisfaction, the UK government has recently established an Independent Water Commission to conduct the most extensive review of the sector in over three decades. This new initiative is expected to bring meaningful changes and increased accountability to the water industry. 

Purpose and Objectives: 

• Regulatory Overhaul: The commission will assess the existing regulatory framework, including the role of Ofwat, the water industry regulator, to ensure it effectively upholds environmental and consumer protection standards. 

• Infrastructure Investment: A primary focus will be attracting investment to upgrade aging infrastructure, which is crucial for reducing pollution incidents and improving the reliability of water services. 

• Consumer Protection: The commission aims to enhance protections for consumers, holding water companies accountable for environmental impacts and service quality. 

Leadership and Composition: 

The commission is chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, and includes experts in environmental science, engineering, and consumer advocacy. The commission intentionally excludes individuals currently employed by water companies, ensuring an impartial evaluation of the sector’s performance and needs. 

Timeline: 

The Independent Water Commission is expected to deliver its recommendations by June 2025, offering a comprehensive roadmap for much-needed reforms in the water sector. 

Context and Significance: 

The formation of this commission reflects growing public concern over issues like sewage spills, regulatory oversight, and underinvestment in infrastructure. Recent incidents, including Thames Water’s financial instability and environmental violations, have underscored the urgency of reform. By establishing the commission, the government aims to restore public trust and ensure that the water sector operates in a way that prioritizes sustainability, accountability, and resilience. 

5. 5. Thames Rivers Trust (TRT): Our Role and Contributions

The Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Thames and its tributaries. As a key partner in efforts to improve water quality and protect the river ecosystem, TRT plays a significant role in addressing the challenges outlined in this briefing. We work through our partners to make a difference by: 

• Facilitating Community Engagement and Education: Through our partner organizations, TRT raises awareness about water quality issues and promotes sustainable practices that reduce pollution. By fostering a connection between people and their waterways, TRT empowers communities to take active roles in protecting the Thames. 

• Supporting Restoration and Conservation Projects: TRT collaborates with partners on habitat restoration projects that enhance biodiversity and improve water quality. These projects provide healthier habitats for wildlife and help to mitigate runoff pollution. 

• Coordinating Data Collection and Monitoring: TRT works with partners to support data collection and monitoring initiatives that track water quality trends and identify key pollution sources. This collaborative approach to evidence-based data helps TRT and its partners advocate for better water management policies and collaborate effectively with regulatory bodies. 

• Building Advocacy and Partnerships: As a facilitator, TRT brings together governmental agencies, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that protect water quality. By connecting partners and fostering shared goals, TRT amplifies the impact of its work and drives collective action for cleaner, healthier rivers. 

• Championing Policy Change: TRT supports systemic change by advocating for stronger regulations on sewage discharges and industrial waste management. Working with partners, we emphasize accountability and sustainable water management to secure a safer, cleaner river for future generations. 

Through these collaborative initiatives, TRT is committed to facilitating positive change across the Thames ecosystem, building resilience for future challenges, and ensuring that the river remains a vital, healthy resource for both people and wildlife. 

 

 

Summary 

The Thames River faces significant environmental challenges due to pollution, aging infrastructure, and inadequate regulatory measures. Thames Water, which has faced public and regulatory criticism for frequent sewage discharges and underinvestment, is under increased pressure to improve performance. The upcoming March for Clean Water highlights the urgent need for policy reform and public accountability, drawing attention to the essential role of clean water for public health, biodiversity, and resilience against climate change. 

In response to these challenges, the UK government has established an Independent Water Commission to overhaul regulatory frameworks, prioritize infrastructure investment, and enforce accountability across the water sector. 

The Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) plays a central role in addressing these challenges through collaboration with partner organizations. By facilitating community engagement, supporting restoration projects, coordinating data collection, advocating policy change, and fostering partnerships, TRT is driving impactful, sustainable improvements in water quality and ecosystem health. Through these coordinated efforts, TRT is committed to safeguarding the future of the Thames River, ensuring it remains a vibrant, healthy resource for all.